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Headlines - January
- February 2004
Dubai
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Air Partner makes BBJ2 debut at Dubai Air Show
 Air Partner plc, the world’s largest corporate aircraft charter broker, displayed the new and larger Boeing Business Jet 2 (BBJ 2) at the recently concluded Dubai Air Show 2003 - the first time the aircraft has been displayed at a trade event.
The spacious 19-seat BBJ 2, owned by Multiflight, is a derivative of the Boeing 737-800 which seats 189 in typical airline configuration and has 25 per cent more cabin space than the standard model. The main features include two luxurious lounges, a dining area, a deluxe washroom and a private self-contained double bedroom with a separate shower. In total, cabin facilities allow up to 10 people to sleep horizontally.
With its 13-hour range, the BBJ 2 brings Dubai into direct contact with all of Europe, Asia, Africa and western Australia. The rest of the world can be reached with just one refuelling stop. Although currently UK-based, the BBJ 2 is available for charter and short-term lease and is being promoted to Middle East aircraft owners seeking to augment their existing needs or requiring back-up cover during maintenance periods.
Air Partner plc has 18 offices in nine countries spanning four continents – Europe, North America, the Middle East, and Asia. On an average, the Group organises at least one flight every hour of every day, year-round, using aircraft that range from small business jets to Boeing 747’s. These flights accumulate a mileage equivalent to flying once around the world every single day.
Air Partner provides aircraft charter to industry, commerce and governments – a business strategy that was proven in the United Kingdom through the 1980’s and Nineties, and in the last decade was rolled out across Europe, North America and, more recently, the Middle East and the Far East.
Since the events of 11 September 2001, which caused instability in the airline sector, Air Partner has unveiled a unique insurance guarantee aimed at taking the risk out of airline failures. CharterPLUS_ has been launched as an optional extra to corporate clients and group travel organisers who are seeking added financial protection once charter flights have been booked and paid for.
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Sharjah
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Track Aviation Services’ daily cargo charter flight to India proposed
Having its presence in the Sharjah Airport International Free (SAIF) Zone for the last five years, Track Aviation Services has been enjoying a good relationship with DNATA, FLC, in Dubai, especially with its charter flights business. Commenting on the company’s opening of an office in Dubai, M. Iqbal Aboobakar, Managing Director of Track Aviation Services, said, "With our presence in Dubai, we are sure to increase our volume of business, and having said that, we are looking forward to form our own Logistic Center."
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M. Iqbal Aboobakar, Managing Director
Track Aviation Services |
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Stating the advantages of housing operations in Dubai, Aboobakar said, "The Free Zone Logistics Center (FLC) has attracted a number of airlines in the recent years from all parts of the world to come into Dubai. This has given us the opportunity to provide our clients single-window operations in moving their cargo from one country to another. Also, the sea-air terminal is the biggest advantage for a charter operator like us, and we intend to take full mileage out of it."
Track Aviation Services has placed three passenger DC-9 aircraft with a local airline of Pakistan that is operating to Dubai on a regular basis. "We have made a proposal to our partner in India to operate a regular daily cargo charter flight with mails and perishables on the Dubai-Pune-Dubai route, which will materialize in January 2004," revealed Aboobakar.
The company recently ventured into a tie-up with SILKWAY Airlines of Azerbaijan to operate weekly charters on route to Lagos, and soon it is also to operate flights to Eldorate. Apart from this, Track Aviation Services is also planning to collaborate with AIRREP of Pakistan in providing logistical support for
the movement of cargo between Pakistan and USA.
Having its offices in Pakistan and now in the UAE, Track Aviation Services also intends to open offices in London and Kuala Lumpur. "Though, basically, we have been dealing with our partners in these markets, now we intend to have our own offices as our clientele are European-based, and that it has become important that we should be nearer to them," concluded
Aboobakar.
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Dubai
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IAC brings down the cost of private air travel
"Chartering private aircraft in the Middle East can be very expensive when you don’t know the right people to go to," states Hugh Courtenay, CEO & Managing Director of International Air Charter (IAC) plc. With an office established in the Dubai Airport Free Zone (DAFZA), IAC arranges private aircraft not just within the UAE, but throughout Europe and internationally.
 Higher charter prices in the Middle East are a result of a distinct lack of aircraft based in the region. A wider type and range of aircraft are needed to cater to an increasing variety of customer needs. Executive and VIP aircraft are all that are available at the moment, which is cost prohibitive to clients with more stringent budgets.
Courtenay explains, "This is why clients use the services of a broker. A professional charter broker like International Air Charter does not actually own aircraft, so in direct contrast to operators, we are not tied to using specific aircraft and can source from outside the area. Surprisingly, by utilizing a European based aircraft, the charter cost can be reduced by as much as 25%."
"We not only spare our clients from painstaking negotiations with aircraft owners and operators but, as a broker with literally thousands of aircraft in our database, at last count some 45,000, we can contact several hundred operators and their aircraft in a matter of seconds, ensuring the best possible service at the best possible price," adds Courtenay.
"Our clients want a company that will take care of all aspects of their aircraft charter requirements, ranging from price sensitive sourcing to security issues to simple convenience and peace of mind," noted Courtenay.
IAC is said to book hundreds of hours every year on private aircraft worldwide, and hence, is in a position to negotiate better deals for its clients, in many cases saving them thousands of dollars.
Courtenay further states that in order to bring prices in the Middle East in line with those in Europe, it is imperative to base more aircraft in the region. He is currently involved in negotiations with several aircraft operators who are seriously considering this possibility.
"The point is" says Courtenay, "that if I can persuade operators with more versatile aircraft such as the Lear 45 or Citation Bravo to establish a base in Dubai, I can absolutely guarantee a consistent influx of business."
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| Dubai
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United Aviation Services to relocate its HQ into DAFZA
To commence its own private jet services soon
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United Aviation Services (UAS), the leading Aviation Services company, is to relocate its headquarters into the Dubai Airport Free Zone Authority (DAFZA) in July 2004. "We are currently building our HQ in Dubai at the Dubai Airport Free Zone Authority, which is expected to be functional by this July," said Mike |
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An artist’s impression of the new
UAS office in DAFZA
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Mamoun Milli, Chief Executive Officer of United Aviation Services. "We provide regular charter services for corporates, and housing our base operations in Dubai is prestigious and luxurious for us as it is an excellent hub for aviation services, safe and secure," he added.
The new office in DAFZA is to have the most advanced technology equipment to monitor aircraft movement, weather report, with state - of - the - art communication system that guarantees to facilitate all aviation requirements. The three-storey building spans an area of 2,261square feet and an investment of US$ 2 million is allocated for this project.
"DAFZA authorities have been very encouraging and cooperative in setting up operations there," noted Milli. The new office is to house 150 people, which will also have a special department for aircraft
operations and leasing.
UAS also plans to own a private jet and is awaiting the delivery of its first private jet in March 2004. The 8-seater, fully equipped Dassault Falcon 20-F5BR jet has been redesigned in 2001 with new engine, which is suitable for short- and mid-range operations. For this purpose, TAG Aviation SA -Geneva, the world leader in personal air transportation services, has partnered with UAS in the UAE to offer its private jet services. "We have been chosen by TAG as their partner in offering transportation services operating in Dubai, and we want to be part of the future making this a success," stated Milli adding, "Plan are on the anvil to own more jets, operating out of Dubai."
Answering to a query on whether UAS will face stiff competition with the existing private jet players in Dubai, Agustin Gamino, INBD Manager, said, "We felt the demand for private jets in the region. Our services will be completing the range and type of aircraft rather than competing with them, thereby offering cost-effective services."
He further added, "Being in aviation services handling permissions, arrangements etc., we know exactly how to operate our own jet and make the best out of it. It also helps us in giving very competitive and reasonable prices for those who are looking for short- and mid-range flights in the region, guaranteeing service arrangements in a very short notice. After all, our motto is ‘Short Notice is Our Business’."
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| Dubai
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ExecuJet Middle East’s new sales & service strategy for the Levant region
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ExecuJet Middle East, one of the region’s leading aviation services companies, has launched a new sales and service strategy for the Levant, aiming to capture a significant share of the growing market for executive aviation in Lebanon, Syria and Jordan.
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To support this expanded strategy, the company announced that Nick Mossa has been appointed as the Account Manager, with special responsibility for the Levant. Mossa joins ExecuJet from Bombardier Aerospace, where he served as Sales Administrator for the Middle East, Africa, India and Australia.
Mossa brings considerable experience of business development and customer support within the executive aviation market to ExecuJet, as well as in-depth knowledge of the aerospace market in the region. Part of his role will be to build awareness of ExecuJet’s full range of business jet services, which include charter options, operational support, new and pre-owned jet sales, and aviation financing support.
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Weather
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