Talia Smith, a certified commercial pilot, will be based in Miami, Florida, where she will lead the company's programme to expand the client base in the US.

Talia's broad aviation experience includes piloting corporate jets and she is type rated for the BeechJet 400. Talia Smith graduated in Aerospace Studies from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University in Florida, in 1999.

Palm Aviation's Chief Marketing Officer, Mohammad Saideh, stressed on the significance of the company's first US appointment: 'Talia's appointment is a significant step for Palm Aviation as we continue to expand into international markets, including the UK and Europe - where we already operate - and now the US. Our aim now is to target a 'niche' market segment in the US, Talia's wide range of aviation skills, experience and contacts in the US market will be a strong asset to Palm Aviation, especially amongst those operators flying from the US into the Middle East, the CIS, the Far East and Africa.'

'Whilst market conditions in the US remain tough, our timing is almost perfect as US based organisations looking for attractive business opportunities around the world continue to look to the Middle East region. It is a part of our wider strategy to develop the business base rapidly and to extend our reach to the Americas,' he added.

Palm Aviation has set itself the goal of achieving 35 per cent revenue growth per annum by extending its services to air traffic inbound to the Middle East and Africa originating from Europe, the CIS countries and the US. The company has announced an investment of US$11 million in a new FBO (fixed base operation) at Dubai World Central, which is home to the world's largest Maintenance Repair Overhaul (MRO) centre. Under the agreement, Palm Aviation will extend its existing global flight support operations centre from its existing Dubai Airport Free Zone office to DWC Aviation City.