Rising political instability in key markets across the Middle East region, more than low oil price, is a key concern among suppliers of business or private jets.

“The growing political instability affects us to the extent that our key clients, whether heads of states or multinational business, are becoming more concerned about the potential that such conflicts could spill over beyond the countries that are now involved [in these conflicts],” Mark Burns, president of US-based private jet manufacturer Gulfstream Aerospace tells MEED.

Gulfstream has more than 120 private jets in operation in the Middle East, mostly in Saudi Arabia and the UAE, which account for 5 per cent of the total number of its fleet that are operating globally.

“The [Middle East] region is an important market for us, and we have enjoyed a long, productive relationship with major clients since delivering our first aircraft here in 1976,” Burns said.

Qatar Airways’ business aviation division is also set to become the aircraft manufacturer’s single largest client for the Gulfstream 650ER model outside of the US government. Qatar Airways signed a deal for 30 such aircraft in 2015, with three units delivered the same year.

Depending on specifications, a Gulfstream aircraft’s list price ranges from $30m to $70m, with an average life-cycle of between five and seven years.

As everywhere, range and flexibility are key considerations for Middle Eastern clients, according to Burns, followed by inflight connectivity. “Some of our aircraft can fly from Dubai to Savannah (Georgia, US) in 13 hours… clients require to be connected and be able to carry on with their tasks and communicate with associates and family during the flight.”

Burns is not threatened by new developments such as online charter jet-sharing services, which others view could slowdemand for private jets in future as more jet-owners join an Uber-like service. “They expand the market which means more people can have more access to these types of services… at the end of the day this is good for the entire supply chain,” he tells MEED.

Gulfstream is a subsidiary of US’ General Dynamics.