ExecuJet, part of the
Luxaviation Group is celebrating the start of a
successful year in Africa, with significant
increases in activity during Q1 at its South African
and Nigerian FBOs.
The company's FBO in
Johannesburg, South Africa, located at Lanseria
International Airport (FALA), has experienced 31%
growth in flight numbers in Q1 2017 vs Q1 2016,
whilst its Cape Town FBO, based at Cape Town
International Airport (CPT), experienced 19% growth
in the same period. ExecuJet’s FBO in Lagos,
Nigeria, experienced 13% growth.
Graeme
Duckworth,
Vice President Africa, ExecuJet, says: “We have had
a great start to the year in Africa. Our continual
growth in flight movements through our facilities is
testament to ExecuJet’s, and the Luxaviation
Group’s, commitment to delivering outstanding
customer service and industry expertise. We continue
to welcome back those who have flown with us
previously, and we are delighted to attract new
clients each month.”
In 2016,
ExecuJet’s FBOs in Africa handled a large number of
Heads of State, diplomatic, ministerial and
celebrity flights. ExecuJet is now looking forward
to a range of exciting events in Africa this year.
First Africa visit of
Airbus A400M from the Royal Air Force
In February 2017,
ExecuJet’s Cape Town FBO was privileged to be the
handling agent of the Airbus A400M Atlas, the Royal
Air Force’s next-generation military transport
aircraft - the first visit of this type of aircraft
to South Africa.
The aircraft,
based at RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire, UK, landed
at ExecuJet’s Cape Town FBO to deliver a
rigid-hulled inflatable safety boat to HMS Clyde, an
offshore patrol vessel undergoing maintenance at
Naval Base Simon’s Town. The ExecuJet Cape Town FBO
team is well-versed in handling various aircraft
types, from turboprops to medium and large business
jets, as well as VIP airliners.
World Economic Forum in
Durban, South Africa: 3-5 May 2017
ExecuJet is now
preparing for the World Economic Forum on Africa (WEFA),
taking place in Durban, South Africa, on 3-5 May
2017.
Duckworth
continues: “Last year’s WEFA was a successful event
for ExecuJet. Our experienced team is looking
forward to welcoming all visiting aircraft, crew and
VIP passengers with the highest levels of service.
We will be providing an array of ground handling and
concierge services. As aircraft parking and storage
at Durban’s King Shaka International Airport will be
limited, the facilities at our Cape Town and
Lanseria FBOs offer overnight and long-term parking
solutions.”
Continuing partnership with
St Helena Airport
ExecuJet became
the first business aviation operator to land a jet
at St Helena Airport in April 2016, as part of the
airport’s certification process. Since then it has
overseen 12 flights, including recent Challenger 300
and Hawker 4000 flights to and from the island.
The company will
continue its partnership with St Helena Airport for
a further 10 years, managing the airport’s
operations and air space, as well as providing
reliable air services to the island. This is part of
the UK Government’s commitment to maintaining access
to St Helena and increasing tourism.
Duckworth
concludes: “Given the bright start ExecuJet has made
in the region this year, we are optimistic that we
will see even further increases this time next year
and that there will be a positive economic shift
allowing business in our sector to progress.
Aviation is a fantastic tool for economic growth, as
it generates business and brings people together.
Business aviation plays an important role in
stimulating the economy because people still prefer
to do business face to face and, in many parts of
Africa, air travel is the only method of commuting
safely.
“Private flying
shouldn’t be seen just as a luxury for the
super-rich, but more importantly as a tool for
companies to get to a specific place at a specific
time. The industry is always changing, so it’s
certainly an exciting time to be part of this
evolution.” |