Dubai, November 17, 2008: DC Aviation, Germany’s leading operator of business jets and Al-Futtaim group, one of the largest and most progressive regional business houses in the Middle East today signed a JV agreement to establish one of the foremost executive business jet companies in the region.

Omar Al-Futtaim, Chief Executive Officer, Al-Futtaim group and Dieter Heinen Chief Executive Officer, DC Aviation signed the agreement under which the new aviation company will serve the high-end Middle East market with an advanced fleet of aircraft manned by first-class professionals.

The JV effectively raises the bar on premium business jet services, aircraft management and maintenance in a market that is currently witnessing an exponential increase in executives opting for privacy, time savings, convenience and superior personalised services.

The JV will capitalise on Al-Futtaim group's strong fundamentals and presence in the Middle East, and DC Aviation’s global reputation as a premium provider of aircraft management, executive charter operations, business jet maintenance and consultation services. It is expected that the new company will commence operations in 2009, subject to all regulatory approvals.

Mr. Al-Futtaim said: “This Joint Venture agreement is full of exciting opportunities and plays a significant part of our group’s expansion and diversification strategy. We are particularly pleased to have been able to attract a partner with the business jet aviation expertise and calibre of DC Aviation because the Middle East and global business aviation sector is undergoing an interesting transformation.

“It has become increasingly important and much easier for corporations and individuals in this region to utilise private business aircraft as an efficient means of transportation. The new company will focus on meeting demanding requirements of the private aviation business and attracting top business executives through an array of personalised services.”

Germany’s largest operator of business jets, DC Aviation recently announced the upgrading of its fleet with four Airbus Corporate Jets, Gulfstream 550 and 450, Embraer Legacy 600 and Citation XLS. In October this year the company took delivery of the seventh Legacy 600 and the fifth Gulfstream aircraft. In total the company operates 36 modern private jets of various sizes with an average age of 2.37 years.

Dieter Heinen said: “We are extremely honored to be partnering with such a sound and progressive business partner. I feel the high quality standards we will be bringing to our partnership fits perfectly in such a dynamic country as the UAE. We truly believe that our passion for details will bring a new definition to the business aviation market in the Middle East.”

DC Aviation will participate in this year's Middle East Business Aviation (MEBA) show which takes place at the Dubai Airport Expo from November 16-18.

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Notes to the Editor
About Al-Futtaim:
Established in the 1930s, Al-Futtaim initially operated as a trading company. Rapid development throughout the 1940s and 1950s saw the company establish itself regionally as an integrated commercial, industrial and services organisation, positioning itself as one of the leading businesses in the lower Gulf region. Headquartered in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Al-Futtaim is structured into seven operational divisions; Automotive, Engineering, Electronics & Technology, Retail, Financial Services, General Services, Real Estate and Joint Ventures. Today, Al-Futtaim operates through more than 65 companies in sectors as diverse as commerce, industry and services, and employs in excess of 20,000 people across the UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Sri Lanka, Syria, Pakistan, Singapore and Europe. The majority of businesses, built on a portfolio of world leading brands, dominate their sector. The success of Al-Futtaim is attributed to proactively managing change whilst upholding the values of integrity, service and social responsibility.

About DC Aviation:
DC Aviation, headquartered in Stuttgart, Germany, is rated among the leading operators of business jets in Europe. The company was founded in 1998 as DaimlerChrysler Aviation, a wholly owned subsidiary of DaimlerChrysler AG. This in-house airline guaranteed flight connections between the headquarters in Stuttgart and Detroit as well as the global mobility of the Group's executives. The company was acquired by the investor Dr Lutz Helmig in 2007. Since its merger with executive charter company Cirrus Aviation at the beginning of 2008, the corporate jet operator has traded as DC Aviation GmbH. The German market leader offers a complete portfolio of services including aircraft management, charter and business jet maintenance. It is still responsible for operating the Daimler Group’s aircraft and counts many major German and European companies amongst its customers. DC Aviation employs more than 380 staff and operates a modern fleet with an average age of 2.37 years: 1 Airbus 319 CJ, 3 Gulfstream 550s, 2 Gulfstream G450s, 2 Global Express, 1 Global 5000, 1 Falcon 900 DX, 2 Challenger 604s, 7 Legacy 600s, 1 Challenger 300, 1 Gulfstream 150, 7 Citation XLS, 2 Learjet 60s, 1 Learjet 45 and 5 Learjet 40s. The CEO of DC Aviation is Dieter Heinen. Further information is available at: dc-aviation.com

For more information please contact:

Jonas Kraft
V.P. Sales and Marketing
DC Aviation GmbH
Stuttgart Airport
70629 Stuttgart – Germany
Email: jonas.kraft@dc-aviation.com
Phone: +49(0)711-93306-330
Fax: +49(0)711-93306-481

David D'Souza
Director - Public Relations
GMASCO Marketing Communications
PO Box: 5830 - Dubai
Tel +971 4 2282101
Fax +971 4 2279801
Email David.DSouza@gmasco.com