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Headlines - Jan-
Feb 2003
Dubai _____________________
Air Partner PLC sets up operations at Dubai Airport Free Zone
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The largest aircraft charter brokers in the world -Air Partner, the British
PLC, launched its regional office in Dubai, located in Dubai Airport Free Zone. The new office is a step forward in the company’s global expansion, adding a new location to its 18 offices in Europe and the USA, and getting physically closer to clients in the Middle East and Asia. The company has also struck a deal with Dnata Agencies to market its products among Dnata’s premium customers.
“The air charter business is not new to us. However, this will allow us to go into the
market in a much bigger way than before. We are going to promote Air Partner’s product to our premium and corporate business clients who might need tailored flights,” said Rashid Al
Noori, senior general manager of Dnata Agencies. |
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David Savile
Group Managing Director
Air Partner PLC |
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David Savile, group managing director of Air Partner
PlC, who signed the contract with Dnata, said: “The potential for the air charter business is very high in this market where a lot of corporate events are being held regularly, including exhibitions, conferences and seminars. Both Dnata and Air Partners can join forces to tap this high yield market which can then be promoted in a much more aggressive way.”
The aircraft charter services of Air Partner vary between executive, commercial, cargo and emergency planning, for a wide variety of clients ranging from multinationals to governments, royal families, statesmen and celebrities.
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| Ajman
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CARGO LAND offering specialized service for the transport of live animals
Established in July 2001,Cargo Land represents Motor Sich Air Company in the UAE and Middle East area. Motor Sich is the daughter airline for Antonov Aero Engines Manufacturers in Ukraine. Cargo Land specializes in air charters for passenger and cargo, mainly in frozen food, live animals and over size shipments.
Speaking about their latest developments, Jamal Busaif - General Manager Cargo Land Clearing & Forwarding services comments, “We are now offering dedicated penning systems for live animals as per international rules and IATA regulations. Our main future plan is expansion in live animals transportation especially for Camels, Cows, Horses, Sheep and other animals.
The company has been successfully operating charter cargo flights in Somalia, Middle East, GCC and in the Sub-continent sectors of Afghanistan,
Azerbaijan, Armenia, using aircrafts such as IL-76/ AN-12/ B707F and other types.
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| Dubai
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DCA looking to bring in more chartered airlines at Dubai International Airport with Terminal 2 expansions
Dubai International Airport has announced its expansion plans for Terminal Two at a cost of Dh500 million. Phase one will include the construction of a Dh14 million interim terminal building, on which work will begin shortly and end in August. The second phase will be completed by 2005, stated Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al
Maktoum, President of Dubai Civil Aviation and Chairman of Emirates at a press conference held recently.
Tenders for the final Terminal 2 building constructed under phase two at Dh486 million, will be issued by end-2003 and completed in 2005.The 110,000 square metre building will accommodate 5 million and have 2 levels for departures and arrivals. It will be capable of handling multi-airline operations and large aircraft such as the A380.
Though Terminal 2 has been known to be the building for CIS airlines, Iran, China and others of the same category, Sheikh Ahmed said any international company is welcome to open offices there. Further, DCA is looking to bring in more chartered airlines and Terminal 2 will be specially designed to handle these.
23 airlines worked at Terminal 2 when it opened and now it has 36 airlines, scheduled and chartered. Passengers using Terminal 2 has reached 1.2 million in 2002 - a 26 per cent growth over 2001.”We have exceeded the capacity for Terminal 2 and we have decided to begin the expansion
programme. Terminal 2 expansion is part of the overall Dh15 billion phase two of Dubai International Airport expansion project,” said Sheikh Ahmed.
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| Abu Dhabi
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OASIS LEASING ACQUIRES FIRST AIRBUS A319
Seals third agreement with Air Canada
Abu Dhabi headquartered Oasis Leasing, has announced the delivery of the fourth and final aircraft of a package it has financed for Air Canada. The brand new A319 joins an A321 and two Canada air Regional Jets that the Abu Dhabi-based lessor has financed for Air Canada. All four aircraft are on long-term leases to the Canadian flag carrier. The twin-engined A319 aircraft, powered by CFM56-5B6/P engines, has a range up to 6,800km.
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Delivered straight from the Airbus Industries production line, the passenger jet will enter service with award-winning Air Canada on a 10-year lease. Oasis Leasing worked with specialist transportation bank, DVB to provide financing for the transaction.
“We are proud to have concluded this series of transactions with Air Canada. They represent a number of ‘first’ for Oasis Leasing and cumulatively represent a significant growth in our asset base and Risk Adjusted Lease Book.” said Gordon Dixon, CEO, Oasis Leasing. |
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Gordon Dixon
CEO, Oasis Leasing |
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Oasis International Leasing Company PJSC was formed in May 1997. Its principal business is to identify, structure, manage and invest in high value leasing transactions.
In addition to establishing a profitable international leasing company, Oasis Leasing also seeks to promote leasing in the UAE and to provide a catalyst for the expansion of the financial services sector. Leasing, as a new and growing industry within the
UAE, has been identified as a suitable mechanism for the necessary transfer of financial technology to the Federation.
Oasis Leasing’s world-class shareholder base includes high quality equity participants including Abu Dhabi Investment Company, BAe Systems and the Gulf Investment Corporation as well as insurance and investment companies. Its asset portfolio includes 16 aircraft on long-term lease. Clients include Air Canada, Malaysia Airlines, Virgin, Air New Zealand and Easy Jet.
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| Bahrain
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'Citation Bravo' to join Bexair fleet in March 2003
Launched at the Dubai Air Show in November 2001, Bahrain Executive Air Services Co. (Bexair), started operations from its dedicated executive aviation terminal at Bahrain International Airport in 2002. Moving from strength to strength Bexair is all set to expand its operations with the addition of the 'Citation Bravo', which is due to join the fleet by March 2003.
Bexair currently operates two aircrafts, one wide-body long range 'Challenger 604'- a 12-seater with intercontinental reach and the short and medium range 'Citation Excel'. "We have ordered other aircrafts to join the fleet to meet the fast growing demand for private jet charters in the region. With the addition of the 'Citation Bravo' we will now have three state-of-the-art aircrafts in our fleet. Citation Bravo is an ideal aircraft for travel within GCC cities and the Middle Eastern region. The Bravo aircraft offers best value for money for corporate travel and leisure segment. Our executive charter service is in great demand with busy executives as it gives them great flexibility in scheduling appointments and they do not have to rely on commercial airlines. Thanks to Bexair, Bahrain can now offer a new level of travel for business and VIP passengers," states Mansour Al Tassan, Chairman and CEO,
Bexair.
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Bahrain headquartered,
Bexair, is the region's premier charter operator with a capital of $85 million and is part of the Saudi-based Arabian support and services company
(ASASCO). " We are the first Bahraini company to provide VIP charter flights, aircraft handling, aircraft management, medical evacuation and specialised air cargo services," adds Mansour Al
Tassan. |
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Mansour Al Tassan
Chairman and CEO, Bexair |
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Bexair's new US$2.5 million terminal at Bahrain International Airport is just a small part of the US$32m investment earmarked by Bexair for the expansion plan. This Bahrain base provides a fixed hub for Bexair's expanding operations in the Gulf region. Further, the elegant interior of this exclusive terminal, adjacent to the international terminal, provides the perfect blend of functionality and comfort for arrivals and departures. Bexair's experienced staff is also available round the clock to handle demands for regional and worldwide itineraries.
The company also offers a range of other more specialised services to the executive travel market including air charter, aircraft handling and management, logistical expertise,
hangarage, refueling and catering, medivac and air-ambulance, pilot relief, maintenance, training and aircraft buying & selling.
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| Sharjah
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Aerovista Airlines now operates the YAK-40 VIP jet
 Aerovista Airlines, part of the Aerovista group with operations in the CIS, Africa and Middle East region, has announced that it has now launched the YAK-40 VIP JET for executive charters for the Middle East region in addition to its An-12, AN-24, AN-26, IL-18, L-410 aircraft fleet.
Giving details of this YAK-40 VIP JET, Apandi
Lakhiyalov, Chairman & CEO, Aerovista states, “The YAK-40 VIP Jet is a Russian designed multi functional and reliable 16 seater passenger jet which meets the International Civil Aviation Organisation standards. It is now available for executive flights within the region and we have already operated successful flights from Sharjah International Airport to the CIS, Bahrain, Kuwait, Lebanon, Sudan, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan. Its wide body provides greater comfort and safety to travelers. Its low operational cost makes it a superior performer in comparison to similar western designed aircraft. Another unique feature is the space flexibility that it offers. The VIP version of the aircraft, which has a total of 16 seats, can also easily be operated as a normal 32-passenger shuttle. Since, it has a separate cargo door we can even fly passengers in one section and their special cargo in another without any inconvenience.”
The Company began operations in 1992, as a supplier of spare parts for Russian designed aircraft in Russia and other CIS countries. Its proficiency in this business lead it to explore new markets and in 1998 Aerovista began regional operations from Sharjah Airport International Free Zone. Stepping into the executive jet charter arena in 2002 the company launched Aerovista Airlines - a passenger service that will initially travel to select destinations in the Middle East, Africa and CIS sectors from Sharjah International Airport.
Commenting on the market for air charter business Apandi adds, “There is a great demand for executive jets charters from individuals and groups and is surely not the domain for only a few huge corporations. There is no doubt a very good network of scheduled flights available from the
UAE, but we are not looking at competing with them. Our business jet is for those executives who require the flexibility in schedules, complete privacy, flight confidentiality, selection of own catering, exclusive check-in, ability to travel alone, or with colleagues of their own choice, the ability to select the level of comfort, and the facilities on board.”
In addition he added, “Our motto is to serve and our methods put care first. We care for customers, our name and our business.”
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| Sharjah
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Hadid International Services -providing complete computer flight planning for charter operators from Damascus, UAE and Senegal in Dakar
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Samer Dabbagh
Operations and Marketing Coordinator, Gulf Office Hadid International Services |
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Hadid International Services is in a position to successfully provide complete computer flight planning for its clients- the charter operators, from its head office in Damascus-Syria for 22 years and its Gulf office in Sharjah-UAE. Hadid specializes in complete flight planning, and provides the entire range of support services for the charter business, which includes obtaining over-flight and landing permits -worldwide. In addition, it can also settle the navigational charges on behalf of clients it represents along with arranging fueling and handling of their aircraft at over 2,200 stations around the globe. Weather forecasts, computerized flight plans, ATC flight plans and the arrangement of transportation are also available apart from arrangements for charters. |
Elaborating on the advantage of the flight planning service Samer
Dabbagh, Operations and Marketing Coordinator, Gulf Office states,
'Hadid International Services has had a branch in
UAE, Sharjah airport free zone to become more close to all customers around UAE in order to give them much more support and quality service. In addition, we are taking care of the VIP flights operated by our customers from everywhere outside UAE to
Sharjah, Abu Dhabi, and Dubai, and provide them with all kinds of supervisions of handling, transportation, hotel reservation, and much more of services provided by our professional staff.
Growing from strength to strength in the last five years Hadid International Services has increased its total number of employees from 25 to 70, only in the Head quarter office, and has recently started operations three months ago from its first Africa office in Dakar, Senegal.
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| Sharjah
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INTERNATIONAL AIR CHARTER PLC appoints new Sales and Marketing Manager, Dubai
 International Air Charter plc have recently appointed Elias Abdo as their new Sales and Marketing Manager for the Middle East Region based at their offices in the Dubai Airport Free Zone. Elias, 25, who comes from a background in corporate sales and marketing, will be concentrating on the provision of executive jets and VIP aircraft for corporate users.
Looking to grow its portfolio of Middle Eastern based clients, International Air Charter
plc, one of Europe's premier private aircraft brokers, started operations from their regional office in Dubai just a year ago.
"There are very few charter companies in this area that can offer the wide range of executive aircraft that we have available, due to our worldwide network of offices and contacts. Not only are the aircraft of the highest
calibre, but also we offer unparalleled levels of security, together with convenience, confidentiality and comfort. We assure a professional and personal service," states Elias
Abdo.
Established in 1992, International Air Charter plc. specialises in provision of business, executive and VIP aircrafts for worldwide charter. Through its specialized technology, which allows sourcing an aircraft anywhere in the world by type, size or location, it has at its fingertips some of the most luxurious aircrafts in the world, including, the latest wide-bodied luxury jets from the Challenger, Gulfstream and Falcon series to specific long range airliners like the VIF Boeing Business jet. The key target areas for the company have been the leading business travel agencies, large corporations and wealthy individuals.
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| Libya
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Afriqiyah operating charter flight to Jeddah
Afriqiyah Airways have concluded a charter flights agreement with Mali and Niger to carry the Hajj pilgrims of this year.
The agreement with the Republic of Mali has been signed by the ministry of local administration of Mali and the commercial manager of Afriqiyah to fly 1,700 Malian pilgrims to the holy land in Saudi Arabia. However, the number of pilgrims from Niger has already been completed. As soon as the pilgrimage season ends Afriqiyah Airways has to fly the
Nigeria and Malian pilgrims back home in the pre-agreed scheduled charter.
Afriqiyah has regular services among several African countries between the Libyan
Jamahiriya, which facilitate the flow of cargo and passengers in and around the African continent.
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