Empire Aviation Group (EAG), the Dubai-based private aviation specialist, has added a new aircraft to its global fleet, to be based in Africa where it now manages seven business jets. The Bombardier Challenger 605 will be delivered before the end of the year and will be based in Lagos, Nigeria. The Bombardier Challenger 605 is a large business jet with 11 seats and with an intercontinental range (4,000 nautical miles) and high speed cruise capabilities (Mach 0.8), offering very high reliability and competitive operating costs. Steve Hartley, Executive Director at Empire Aviation Group, comments: “The African market for private aviation is still showing healthy growth and our fleet based in Nigeria now comprises business jets from several manufacturers and is our second largest base for managed aircraft, after Dubai. The EAG team now manages and operates a fleet of aircraft based across several locations, supporting owners with personalised services. This latest new aircraft to join our managed fleet came to us via referral from an existing owner, which is always gratifying.” Launched in 2007 in Dubai, EAG now operates one of the region’s largest managed fleets of business jets, with 27 aircraft based in Dubai, Oman, India, San Marino, Hong Kong and Nigeria. The company, which has a team of 150 aviation specialists, has expanded operations across the globe and opened branches in India and, most recently, in San Marino, as well as a dedicated sales office in the USA.