Cedar Jet Center (CJC) is a Fixed Base Operation at Rafic Hariri International Airport-Beirut. It is part of Middle East Airlines Ground Handling (MEAG), focused on providing the business and general aviation industry with a full range of VIP ground handling services.
CJC is located at the new General Aviation Terminal, which was inaugurated by H.E. Prime Minister Najib Mikati on June 17th 2005. The FBO occupies a large lounge with a surface of 250m2 divided into four separate seating areas and accommodating up to 50 passengers.
After its first year of operation, Cedar Jet Center had already gained a 30% share of the market handling the following operators:
• Bahrain Executive Air Services (BEXAIR) operating a fleet of Bombardier Challenger 604 and Cessna Citations from its base in Bahrain and around the Middle East
• National Air Service (NAS) of Saudi Arabia operating 30 various private jets. This service introduced fractional business jet ownership to the Middle East area through the Net Jets-Middle East program, thus allowing customers to acquire a 1/8th or 1/4th share in a private jet.
• Royal Jet owned jointly by the Amiri Flight of Abu Dhabi and Abu Dhabi Aviation which operates 4 Boeing BBJ and 2 Gulfstream 300 and 1 RJ85 aircraft.
• United Aviation of Kuwait operating 3 14-seat Embraer Legacy aircraft.
In January 2007, Cedar Jet Center participated in the first MEBA (Middle East Business Aviation) exhibition held in Dubai. MEA CDG Mr. Mohamad El-Hout, General Manager MEAG Mr. Richard Mujais, Mr. Wael Tayara, Miss Randa Kammoun in Charge of CJC Operations, and Miss Rania Shammas VIP Services Officer attended this event.
At the MEBA exhibition, CJC occupied a 20m2 stand where it introduced its Fixed Base Operation services at the General Aviation Terminal in Beirut and signed four new handling contracts with:
• Arab Wings - Jordan: 1 Beech 200 Turboprop, 2 Hawker 800XP and 1 Challenger 604.
• Bexair - Bahrain.
• Gulf Jet - Dubai: 1 Hawker 800XP, 1 Challenger 604 and 2 Cessna jets.
• United Aviation - Kuwait.
During the MEBA exhibition, Cedar Jet Center also gained 2 new startup companies as its newest customers:
• Majestic Aviation - Dubai which started operations in March with an 8-seat Learjet 60.
• Rizon Jet of Sharjah which started operations in April with two 6-seat Raytheon Premier 1A light jets.
Aiming at further growth, CJC is preparing to attend the upcoming European Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition - EBACE in Geneva on May 2007 to promote its services to European Business jet operators.
During an interview with G.M. MEAG Mr. Richard Mujaes and Ms. Randa Kammoun in Charge of CJC Operations, Randa explained to the Cedar Wings team the steps followed while handling VIP and business jets.
“Cedar Jet Center handles all operational and customer service aspects related to the operator’s flight to Beirut, beginning with obtaining the necessary overflying and landing permits to welcoming passengers in its spacious VIP lounge, which is equipped with a business center and large plasma screens in a comfortable and luxurious setup. This process starts with the receipt of the handling request from the business jet operator.”
Ms. Kammoun pointed out that upon arrival of the aircraft, passengers are greeted by the CJC customer services agents who escort them through immigration and customs to the CJC lounge. While passengers are enjoying a welcome drink or sipping their warm espresso, their luggage is being off-loaded from the aircraft and delivered to their waiting car.
Ms. Kammoun added that CJC has preferential rates with all 5-star Hotels in Beirut and arranges hotel bookings for passengers and crew. CJC also provides its customers with rental cars and chauffeur-driven cars upon request.
Emphasizing the security and safety issues, Mr. Richard Mujaes noted that “all our customer service agents are trained regularly to maintain Cedar Jet Center’s values: Safety, Security, Service and Reliability. Our Procedures and operations are audited frequently in order to maintain our ISO 9001 Quality Accreditation”.
Ms. Kammoun added, “Cedar Jet Center handles all types of aircraft, ranging from small turboprops to Boeing 747. Our professional linemen are highly experienced in handling aircraft and are well trained to give our customer's aircraft excellent service”.
When asked about Cedar Jet Center's future plans, Mr. Richard Mujaes noted: “CJC is aiming to continuously improve its services and will open a crew lounge specially dedicated to crew members during long day stopovers. With regards to aircraft services, CJC has also rented an open piece of land situated near the General Aviation Terminal to build a new hangar for business jets. CJC is presently offering its clients maintenance services for all Airbus and Boeing BBJ aircraft, in cooperation with its sister maintenance company MASCO and using its aircraft hangar for aircraft shelter as well”.
More recently, CJC opened an aircraft charter office. Customers will be able to book private jet flights for business or pleasure via the CJC office. Through its vast contacts in the business aviation community and leading edge software solutions, Cedar Jet Center can match available aircraft to its clients' requirements. Available aircraft range from small 4-seat light jets to very large 30-seat Boeing BBJ aircraft. CJC can also book medical evacuation flights to transport sick passengers in or out of Lebanon.