DC Aviation Al-Futtaim (DCAF) has added a fully refurbished Airbus ACJ318 Elite+ to its charter fleet, with the aircraft due to enter service by the end of June from the company’s facility at Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC) in Dubai South.
The aircraft is certified for 19 passengers with up to 21 seating positions. Its cabin features a full dining area, a lounge, a VIP bathroom and a private aft suite that can serve as a bedroom or office with an en-suite bathroom. The ACJ318 Elite+ offers non-stop range between Dubai and destinations including London and Singapore.
DCAF said the addition reflects growing demand for larger-cabin aircraft on non-stop intercontinental missions from the region. Business jet operations in the Middle East rose 7.7% year on year in 2025, according to JETNET/WINGX data, and DCAF said regional demand for long-range and ultra-long-range missions has increased by an estimated 20% over the past eight years. The company noted that over 60% of private jet clients in the region now request non-stop travel where operationally feasible.
“The addition of the Airbus ACJ318 Elite+ builds upon DC Aviation Group’s proud legacy of operating ACJ charter aircraft for more than 25 years,” said Holger Ostheimer, managing director of DCAF. “Whether serving royal family members, heads of state or large family groups travelling together, this aircraft expands our ability to deliver long-range, non-stop missions with the utmost privacy and flexibility.”
The aircraft has previously set multiple records for the Airbus A318 type, including longest flight duration, longest flight distance and most charter hours in a single calendar year.
DCAF will manage and maintain the aircraft in-house at its MRO facility in Dubai South, with direct support from the OEM. DC Aviation Al-Futtaim combines the operations of Germany’s DC Aviation Group and UAE-based Al-Futtaim Group.
