Los Angeles, CA (May 6, 2008)—Mercury Air Group, Inc., the U.S. based global leader in aviation services, has started flight operations at the Royal Terminal, Kuwait, the largest private aviation terminal in the Middle East, located at Kuwait International Airport. The facility is owned by Royal Aviation Kuwait.

Designed and constructed by Mott MacDonald Group of London, England and Gulf Consult of Saudi Arabia, the Royal Terminal has more than 100,000 sq. ft. (10,000 sq. meters) on three levels and incorporates an ultra-modern design blending aerodynamic architectural features with panoramic glass vistas. Lead designer, Mott MacDonald Group brings more than 100 years of experience in transportation engineering and design with projects in 140 countries. The UK's Sunday Times has named Mott MacDonald Group one of England's "Top 20 Best Big Companies" in 2007.

The world-class Royal Terminal of Royal Aviation Kuwait is a $42 Million Fixed Base Operation (FBO) that includes many amenities found only in the world’s most lavish hotels. It includes upscale boutiques and couture shops, a five-star restaurant and various lounges to accommodate the needs of commercial and VIP customers as well as heads of state. The shops and restaurant are scheduled to open later this summer.

“Mercury Air Group has looked forward to operating this magnificent facility and offering our brand of unparalleled aviation services that promises discriminating comfort, security, safety and exacting service,” said Joseph A. Czyzyk, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer for Mercury Air Group. “Anyone traveling to Kuwait will find the Royal Terminal to be the crowning jewel in the FBO service industry. It’s an impressive yet functional facility that not only raises the bar in the Middle East, but also sets a new world standard for meeting the needs of business aviation customers.”

Mercury Air Group signed a management services agreement in 2007 to operate the new facility through Royal Aviation Kuwait, a wholly owned subsidiary of United Projects Company which is a member of Kuwait Investment Projects Company (KIPCO), the largest private sector investment company in the State of Kuwait.

According to Mubarak Mohammad Al-Mascati, Chairman of Royal Aviation Kuwait, Mercury Air Group was selected to operate the new facility based on Mercury’s decades of FBO experience. “We are extremely pleased to have Mercury Air Group as our operating partner. Their international reputation for delivering exceptional customer service made them the perfect choice for managing our new facility. In addition, Mercury is committed to enhancing the growth of business aviation and aircraft charter in Kuwait. We look forward to a long and prosperous relationship.”

Although the grand opening is not scheduled until this June, basic aircraft flight services have been inaugurated including line service and fueling operations. Also, Mercury is providing expanded concierge services that include not only hotel accommodations and transportation arrangements, but also flight scheduling and dispatch services for the flight crews.

“While finishing touches on the retail and restaurant portions of the terminal proceed as planned, we are now able to process business aviation arrivals and departures,” explained John Enticknap, Vice President, Mercury Air Group. “When we have our grand opening, all areas will be fully functional including our non-scheduled airline and charter services section which includes separate areas set aside for ticketing and customs.”

Enticknap said the level of hospitality offered at the facility will add a ‘Royal Touch’ to every aspect of service. “The State of Kuwait has a long history of royal traditions that make this a unique destination. From our personalized arrival and departure services to our various private lounges, the level of service and hospitality will delight our customers who will be treated like royalty.”

FBO amenities include advanced flight planning services, Wi-Fi internet access, beverage services in the lounges including traditional Arabian coffee/tea and confections, in-flight catering, auto rentals, limousine services, immigration and customs, landing and over-fly permits, cargo handling, long term parking facilities, conference center, meeting rooms and fine dining.

A unique aspect of the ramp and apron area is a series of large aircraft shade ports that protect passengers and crews from the elements. In total there are two shade ports providing cover for up to eight large transport size business aircraft such as the Boeing 737 and Airbus A320.In addition, covered auto parking is available for passengers.

About Mercury Air Group
Based in Los Angeles, Mercury Air Group, Inc. was founded in 1956 by three members of the legendary First American Volunteer Group (AVG) Flying Tigers. Today, Mercury is a global leader in the aviation services industry and is one of the largest privately owned aviation services company in the world with business operations on five continents in more than 60 locations. Mercury Air Group provides aviation petroleum products, air cargo services and transportation as well as support services for international and U.S. commercial airlines, general aviation and U.S. government aircraft.

About Royal Aviation Kuwait, United Projects Company and KIPCO
Royal Aviation Kuwait is a wholly owned subsidiary of The United Projects Company, a member of Kuwait Investment Projects Company (KIPCO) one of the largest investment companies in the State of Kuwait. The Company is focused on investment, construction and management of projects of public utility and specializes in Build, Operate and Transfer (BOT) projects. Currently, United Projects Company is responsible for the property management and marketing activities of the Kuwait Airport Mall Project and has recently announced plans to build a new hotel at Kuwait International Airport.