DC Aviation Al-Futtaim (DCAF) says it is expanding its charter offering in Dubai with the addition of a fully managed Airbus ACJ318 Elite+. The operator plans to base the aircraft permanently at Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC) in Dubai South, with an entry-into-service date set for the end of June 2026.
New ACJ318 Elite+ scheduled for service from Dubai South
According to the company, the ACJ318 Elite+ will be refurbished before joining operations and will be supported by DCAF’s integrated hangar and VIP lounge facilities at DWC. The move is framed as part of an ongoing build-out of business aviation capacity in the region.
DCAF did not specify the investment amount for the aircraft addition. The announcement focuses instead on operational readiness, including maintenance and on-site management.
Why charter operators are leaning into long-range demand
The timing aligns with broader shifts in private aviation demand, where clients increasingly prioritize non-stop routes and longer-range aircraft. DCAF cites industry flight data from JETNET, incorporating WINGX flight activity intelligence, indicating that business jet operations in the Middle East grew 7.7% year-on-year in 2025.
DCAF also points to a longer-term demand trend, estimating that regional demand for non-stop, long-range missions has risen by about 20% over the past eight years. It further says that over the past 12 to 18 months, it has observed stronger interest in larger-cabin aircraft suited to intercontinental journeys.
Based on the company’s description, the typical user group includes family offices, government entities, and corporate executives, with the stated priorities being privacy, flexibility, and time efficiency. DCAF also says that more than 60% of private jet clients in the region mandate non-stop travel where operationally feasible, citing the benefits of streamlined border processing and reduced travel disruption.
What the aircraft offers for cabin configuration and mission profile
The ACJ318 Elite+ is presented as a long-range option with non-stop connectivity between Dubai and selected high-demand destinations, including London and Singapore. DCAF describes the aircraft as having a spacious, apartment-like cabin environment certified for 19 passengers, with up to 21 seating positions.
The company’s briefing highlights interior features intended for long-haul use, including a dining area, a dedicated lounge for informal meetings and relaxation, a VIP guest bathroom, and a private aft suite that can be used as either a bedroom or office space, with an en-suite bathroom.
DCAF also says the specific aircraft has undergone a comprehensive refurbishment, with the interior described as being in “virtually new” condition and the exterior fully repainted. It is positioned as a product aimed at clients who want to work, dine, or relax during extended journeys rather than depend on connectivity via multiple stops.
Dubai South as a base for operations and maintenance
Beyond the aircraft itself, DCAF’s announcement emphasizes its ability to manage and maintain aircraft in-house. The operator says it will handle maintenance at its Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility in Dubai South, describing this integration as a way to support dispatch reliability and safety standards.
For clients evaluating charter operators, the maintenance and operational model can be as important as cabin comfort. In business aviation, continuity of servicing, route readiness, and aircraft availability often influence booking timelines and turnaround flexibility.
Operational context for the Middle East market
With an aircraft stationed at DWC, DCAF is effectively increasing its capacity at a location that has been positioned as an alternative hub to Dubai’s main airports for private and business aviation flows. The company also references its safety credentials, including what it calls more than 40,000 incident-free flight hours to date for aircraft under its umbrella, and states that it is one of only two Fixed-Base Operators (FBOs) in the Middle East to achieve IS-BAH Stage 3 certification.
While such claims are typical in operator announcements, the broader implication for enterprise buyers is that fleet expansion is being tied to operational infrastructure, not only aircraft procurement.
What to watch next
As DCAF’s ACJ318 Elite+ is scheduled for service by the end of June 2026, the next operational milestones will likely include final refurbishment sign-off, integration into the operator’s charter scheduling processes, and confirmation of route coverage as client demand evolves.
For the UAE business aviation sector, the announcement underscores a continuing theme: operators are investing in both aircraft and facilities to meet expectations for non-stop long-range travel, particularly for high-value and time-sensitive users.
