Adel Mardini, founder and CEO of private aviation firm Jetex.
Adel Mardini’s voice is calm, measured, but his plans are anything but modest.
“In 2025, we are entering the next level of our expansion,” says the founder and CEO of private aviation firm Jetex, speaking to Gulf Business in the company’s flagship VIP terminal at Dubai’s Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC).
“We are looking at a much larger global footprint, deeper infrastructure investment, and new technology in every part of the customer journey.”
Jetex today operates 37 locations worldwide, but by the end of next year this figure will grow to 75 locations.
This comes amid a changing passenger profile. Before Covid-19, Jetex’s typical private jet passengers were ultra-high-net-worth individuals from sectors like oil and gas, alongside government officials — most aged between 50 and 80.
Since the pandemic, that profile has shifted. Today, the average passenger is between 25 and 55, with a growing presence from the crypto, fashion, tech, and celebrity worlds. Many have migrated from first and business class on commercial airlines into private aviation, attracted by the speed and privacy.
Added to this, new deals, including partnerships in Asia and Latin America, have created footholds in markets traditionally dominated by local operators.
Mardini’s backstory has been told before, but it still underscores the drive behind Jetex’s expansion.
Born in Damascus, Syria, he moved to Dubai in the early 2000s, starting Jetex in 2005 with a single location. The vision was always global.
“I saw that business aviation needed more than just technical support: it needed hospitality, branding, and a consistent global experience,” he recalls.
From those early days, Jetex expanded cautiously, prioritising brand standards over speed.
“I’ve seen companies grow too fast and lose control. We’ve grown with a clear plan, and that’s why we can now accelerate.”
Saudi Arabia and the Red Sea
At the heart of Jetex’s next stage is Saudi Arabia. The kingdom’s tourism and aviation ambitions align closely with Jetex’s high-end service model. The Red Sea Project, a vast luxury tourism development on the west coast, is an early win.
Jetex is set to be the exclusive FBO (fixed-base operator) provider for Red Sea International Airport.
“That means we’ll be there from the very first flight, shaping the experience for every VIP and private passenger who arrives.”
This presence will extend beyond the Red Sea. Jetex is actively evaluating opportunities in Riyadh, Jeddah, and NEOM, positioning itself to capture a growing share of the kingdom’s private aviation market.
“Saudi Arabia is investing heavily in infrastructure and tourism. The private jet sector will naturally follow,” he says.
Operationally, Jetex’s Saudi facilities will mirror its Dubai flagship, with lounges, crew rest areas, concierge services, and on-site customs clearance.
“Our model is to replicate the same feel everywhere,” Mardini explains. “If you land in the Red Sea or Riyadh, it must feel like Jetex Dubai.”
Asia and beyond
While Saudi Arabia is a major focus, Mardini is equally bullish on Asia.
“Markets like Indonesia, Thailand, and Vietnam are at the start of their private aviation journey,” he says.
“There’s huge potential to build the infrastructure before demand spikes.”
Negotiations are under way for new facilities in Southeast Asia. Southeast Asia’s business jet market is forecast to grow at a compound annual rate of approximately 15.5 per cent between 2025 and 2030, according to Mordor Intelligence.
In parallel, Jetex is exploring secondary markets in Africa and Latin America, where business aviation demand is growing faster than commercial aviation capacity.
“These markets are fragmented, but that’s an opportunity,” Mardini says. “Our brand stands out immediately.”
Sustainability in the Skies
For Mardini, expansion isn’t just about geography.
“The future of our business also depends on sustainable aviation,” he says. “We’re investing heavily in SAF (sustainable aviation fuel) availability across our network.”
Jetex was one of the first private aviation companies in the UAE to make SAF available at scale, and Mardini sees adoption accelerating.
“We’re talking to aircraft manufacturers, operators, and fuel suppliers to ensure SAF becomes standard, not optional.
The UAE is a natural leader in this space: it’s committed to innovation, and the infrastructure is already here.”
He is candid about the challenges: cost, availability, and certification processes still hinder widespread use.
“But the demand from our clients is growing. Many are corporate customers who have their own net-zero commitments. They expect us to provide the fuel options that help them deliver on those goals.”
The eVTOL era
One of Jetex’s most forward-looking moves is its partnership with Joby Aviation and Archer in the eVTOL (electric vertical take-off and landing) sector.
“This is the future of short-range passenger transport,” Mardini says.
“We’ll be their infrastructure partner on the ground, making sure the client journey is seamless.”
The vision is ambitious: a passenger could board an eVTOL in a city centre, fly directly to a Jetex terminal, and connect to a private jet within minutes.
On arrival, the process works in reverse.
“We’ll handle everything — passenger greeting, luggage, security, and handover between eVTOL and jet,” Mardini explains.
Test flights in the UAE took place in recent months, with Dubai and Abu Dhabi identified as early launch sites.
“It’s not just about being part of the eVTOL story,” Mardini says.
“It’s about redefining what ‘door-to-door’ travel means for our clients.”
Operational Edge
Behind the luxury lounges and polished service is a highly tuned operational machine.
Jetex’s global network is supported by centralised flight operations in Dubai, where a 24/7 team coordinates everything from flight plans to ground handling.
“From the moment a client calls, our system kicks in,” Mardini says.
“We can arrange permits, fuel, catering, crew rest — everything — anywhere in the world within hours.”
This speed is backed by investment in technology. Jetex’s proprietary platform tracks flights, crew schedules, and fuel supply in real time, allowing for rapid adjustments if weather, traffic, or client needs change.
“Technology is not replacing our people,” Mardini stresses.
“It’s making them faster and more accurate.”
Looking ahead
The next five years will test Jetex’s ability to scale without compromising its high-touch service model. For Mardini, that balance is the point.
“If we can grow and still have our customers feel like we’re their personal aviation team, then we’ve succeeded,” he says.
With a dedicated focus on expansion, Jetex’s growth is not slowing.
“We’ve built a foundation,” Mardini says.
“Now it’s time to build the future.”
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