07 Dec 10 Air Partner to conduct multi-lingual business at TIACA
Air Partner Freight will have an international multi-lingual presence at this week’s TIACA Air Cargo Forum in Amsterdam.
Freight specialists from its offices in the UK, France, Germany and Turkey are attending the three day event to reinforce the message that airlines and other aviation industry suppliers are just as important to the company as its clients.
Richard Smith, Air Partner’s Director of Group Freight, will join his team on Stand 419 in Hall 10 where visitors will be introduced to the new London Gatwick-based trainee freight analyst Mark Turner.
Clive Chalmers, who was appointed UK Freight Manager in September on completion of an intensive two-year cross-division management training scheme, said: “This year our International Air Cargo Association (TIACA) team is tasked with reinforcing the confidence suppliers have in our bespoke, speedy and cost-effective services. The relationships Air Partner has with its suppliers and customers are of equal importance. Our TIACA delegation is looking forward to fostering those supplier relationships and to building new contacts across the industry worldwide.”
Despite the global economic downturn, Air Partner’s Air Freight division has seen significant growth in market share for cargo aircraft charter. Sales for the 12 months to July this year rose 178 per cent to £55.7million compared to the same period in 2009. New freight offices opened in Hong Kong and Turkey while further expansion into new territories is planned. And, against fierce competition, the company has just won a four-year tender to be the sole provider of freight air charter services for the UK Government’s Department for International Development (DFID).
The three day TIACA Air Cargo Forum starts tomorrow (November 2).
About Air Partner
Air Partner plc is a world-class provider of air cargo charter, among other, services to industry, commerce, governments and individuals worldwide. The company has earned global recognition as a leading aircraft charter supplier and organises ad hoc charters of aircraft of every size for any reason. Air Partner is the only company in the aviation industry to hold a Royal Warrant (as Supplier of Aircraft Charter to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II) a globally recognised mark of excellence.
Further information can be found at http://www.airpartner.com
Tags: air cargo, Air freight, aircraft charter
27 Aug 10 Air Partner expands freight team with appointment of UK Freight Manager
Air Partner has expanded its UK Freight team with the promotion of Clive Chalmers to UK Freight Manager, effective immediately.
He reports to Richard Smith, Group Freight Director, who can now concentrate solely on developing the company’s international air freight strategy.
Clive is a recent graduate of Air Partner’s intensive two-year internal cross-division Management Training Scheme. This involved working in many of the company’s divisions and departments including Freight, Fuel, Finance, Marketing, Quality Management and 24hr Operations. He also completed an overseas client care project.
Prior to joining the MTS scheme Clive was a Senior Analyst in the Commercial Jets charter broking division organising flights on airliners for groups of every size. Prior to joining Air Partner in 1998, he was an Operations Officer with the former Stansted Airport-based charter carrier Classic Airways.
In his new role Clive’s objectives are to develop the freight business by working closely with clients, prospects and cargo operators along with growing Air Partner Freight’s market share. The aim is to reap the rewards the Group has made in strengthening its freight activity over the past decade. “Air Partner has invested heavily in its Freight division in recent years and I am pleased to have joined a successful, well-established team,” said Clive.
Richard Smith commented: “We are delighted to have appointed Clive to the position of UK Air Freight Manager. Having worked in key divisions and departments within the Air Partner Group, he brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the Freight team and his appointment is a clear indication of our ambition for this growing part of Air Partner’s business. We opened freight offices in Hong Kong and Turkey earlier this year and now have cargo specialists in eight countries spanning three continents.”
About Air Partner Freight
Air Partner Freight charters aircraft of every size, from Learjets to the giant Antonov 225 freighter, to fly cargo anywhere, at any time. Serving governments, leading industrial shippers, relief and humanitarian organisations, the freight team provides bespoke air charter solutions in response to a wide range of cargo charter needs. From moving small quantities of automotive spare parts between plants through to the most complex project cargo shipments taking several months to plan, the team has the experience and expertise to ensure shipments are handled securely and reliably.
Air Partner Freight is a division of Air Partner plc, a leading private jets specialist. With headquarters in the UK, Air Partner has 20 offices spanning Europe, North America, the Far East and Middle East and operates a 24/7 year-round Flight Support Centre.
Tags: Air freight, International Air Freight, Private jet hire, Private Jets
10 Aug 10 Air Partner Freight flies emergency aid to flood-stricken Pakistan
Air Partner arranged the dispatch of an Airbus A300 Freighter last Friday (6 August) carrying 32 tons of emergency aid supplies to flood-stricken Pakistan.
The charter flight departed within 48 hours of quote confirmation taking off from Brindisi in Italy, to Islamabad, Pakistan, loaded with generators, water purification units, water tanks, plastic sheeting, latrines, jerry cans and high energy biscuits. It touched down in the early hours of Saturday morning.
Air Partner’s Nigel Nicholas from the Group’s UK Air Freight team arranged the flight for an international relief agency. “We immediately searched for suitable aircraft availability from a carrier that has accreditation to operate into Italy”, he said. “Air Partner is highly experienced at sourcing solutions to meet urgent aviation demands in the event of crises worldwide and we hope this emergency response flight brings some relief to the millions of people currently suffering from the disastrous monsoon flooding.”
With 20 offices around the world and a specialist international air freight division Air Partner has considerable expertise arranging repatriation and relief flights in times of disaster and recently provided a series of humanitarian flights to Haiti following the country’s devastating earthquake. Now in its 49th year of operation, the company is a trusted partner working with leading non-government agencies globally.
Air Partner has played a vital role assisting victims in every kind of natural and man-made disaster arranging flights to Sudan, Chad, Pakistan, Indonesia, Ethiopia and Afghanistan. Its operational planning skills and the expertise of its staff ensure’s that Air Partner can arrange flexible rapid deployments into difficult and hostile areas.
03 Aug 10 Private Jets Offer the “Best of the Best” in Travel Solutions
Ben Stein, lawyer, writer, actor and economist, once famously said of private jet travel: “No one who has tasted that kind of life can be expected to let it go while he still has fingernails to clutch the cabin door…it’s so good you shouldn’t even try it once.” This famous US personality told readers of The New York Times: “A route that is torture for commercial travellers – even in first class – is paradise to the passenger of a private jet.”
For many of today’s celebrities, sports stars and business travellers, private jets offer the “best of the best” in modern travel. From bespoke schedules, lavish terminals, and state-of-the-art aircraft, the benefits of private jet travel abound.
All Shapes and Sizes…
When choosing private jet hire, you gain access to a comprehensive, worldwide fleet of aircraft, ranging from a Lear 40 flying up to 3.5 hours to the famous range of Gulfstream private jets offering intercontinental capabilities, full standing headroom and an in-flight hostess service.
And for those seeking the pinnacle of private jet travel, there are VIP airliners. Whether it is a Boeing 737 with seating for 28 or an Airbus A319 configured to 16 – these aircraft are the ultimate in luxury travel. Popular with heads of state, these private jets offer space for both business and pleasure, with some even featuring private bedrooms and en-suite facilities.
Simplicity…
Private jets offer direct point-to-point travel, avoiding the lengthy check-in queues, crowded security points, and congested terminals that have become synonymous with scheduled air travel. Passengers always enjoy a smooth journey through exclusive private jet terminals (also known as FBOs) where discretion and privacy are paramount.
Plus, with boarding time taking as little as ten minutes, private jet hire is the most efficient form of travel available. And for today’s traveler, more free time is simply priceless.
Speaking of pricing, the two most cost-effective forms of private jet hire are undoubtedly ad hoc charter and jet card schemes.
• With an ad-hoc on demand arrangement the price agreed is the price you pay based on aircraft type, flight distance and length of the trip. Issues that arise in the case of outright or fractional jet ownership – such as membership fees, management charges, acquisition costs, maintenance and crew concerns – are non-existent. Ad hoc hire is the easiest way to gain access to any private jet, at any time, and to any destination in the world. It is certainly the most flexible.
• With jet cards, which appeal to those who know they will be making several trips in short succession and want to pre-plan their budgeting, you buy flight hours in advance, typically 25, for travel in a chosen private jet category. Aircraft availability is guaranteed. However, it’s wise to read the small print before signing on the dotted line with your chosen supplier!
Tailored solutions…
Private jet hire is about freedom. Do you require a specific departure or arrival time? Are you flying to two or three destinations in the same day? Private jets are the ultimate expression of flexibility and control. You fly on your own terms, on the private jet of your choice, to your own schedule and from the airport most convenient to you.
Even your journey to the airport and on-board experience can be customised, ranging from limousine hire to catering specifications to in-flight entertainment options.
When you consider all of these options and benefits, it is easy to see why those who have switched to private jets are unlikely to return to commercial air travel. Whether flying for business or leisure, private jet travelers enjoy comfort and service that is truly second to none.
About Air Partner
Air Partner is a 24/7 provider of aviation services including private jet hire to industry and individuals worldwide. Formed in 1961, the Group has 20 offices, is listed on the London Stock Exchange and holds a Royal Warrant granted by HM Queen Elizabeth II for aviation services including private jet charter.
Tags: Air freight, Private Jet, Private Jet Charter, Private jet hire, Private Jets
23 Jul 10 Air Partner launches unique website: www.emptysectors.com
Air Partner plc has launched an ‘empty sectors’ consumer website, www.emptysectors.com, enabling potential private jet users to book flights on aircraft that would otherwise operate without passengers. The website locates real-time availability on private jets worldwide, by sector and aircraft, at prices up to 75 per cent lower than conventional charter rates. For example, a six-seat private jet hire from London to Cannes, for the French Riviera, for £3,000.
An empty sector (or empty leg) occurs when a pre-booked revenue charter has been reserved for a one-way flight only, either outbound or return. The operator will need to either position the aircraft to collect the passengers for a return or bring the aircraft back to its original location having flown the passengers to their chosen destination (leaving an empty sector on the return flight).
Royal Warrant holder Air Partner, is a leading provider of private jet charter services, increasingly serves more leisure-related customers – some 30% of its client base are leisure flyers. www.emptysectors.com provides clients with an at-a-glance range of hundreds of currently available flight options and also enables them to submit specific route and date requests.
“Marketing empty sector flights is a very efficient way of demonstrating the enormous benefits of flying by private jet to potential business and leisure travellers,” said Ben Bewsey, Air Partner Private Jets UK Manager. “Flying privately, clients enjoy a smooth journey through exclusive business aviation terminals. Discretion and privacy are paramount and clients avoid the queues, delays and hassles that are all too often synonymous with commercial passenger terminals and scheduled air travel”.
“Empty Sectors are attractive as they can be available at a fraction of the cost of regular charter,” continued Ben Bewsey. “We can even re-route empty sectors to match a specific itinerary – for example if a client wanted to fly from Gothenburg to Geneva, the Empty Sectors website might propose an aircraft that is due to fly empty from nearby Oslo to Lyon in France. It is definitely worth looking at the site for last minute travel requirements as any number of private jets could be going your way.”
Air Partner is the first private jet charter broker to purchase the latest Avinode software – the technology behind www.emptysectors.com. Avinode is the leading online marketplace for industry professionals to buy and sell air charter.
About Air Partner
Air Partner is a world-class provider of aviation services including business jet charter to industry, commerce, governments and private jet hire to individuals worldwide. The Commercial Jets division charters airliners with 20 to 500 seats to move groups of every size. Air Partner Freight charters aircraft of every size to fly any cargo anywhere, at any time.
With headquarters in the UK, Air Partner has 20 offices spanning Europe, North America, the Far East and Middle East and operates a 24/7 year-round Flight Support Centre from its London Gatwick base.
Media contacts:
Alison Chambers/Helen Stevens
Emerald Media
T +44 1962 736600
Tags: Air freight, Business jets, Corporate jets, Private Jet, Private jet hire
16 Jul 10 Air Partner introduces Russia’s jet set to the long-awaited Dassault Falcon 7X
High net worth individuals in Russia and the CIS will be among the first to charter Dassault’s stunning ultra long-range Falcon 7X jet, which features some of the most exciting innovations in aviation history.
This is thanks to a newly-signed partnership agreement between Royal Warrant holder Air Partner, a world leading provider of private jet hire, and Air Alsie, one of the biggest private jet operators in Europe. Air Alsie has two of just a handful of 7Xs currently available on the charter market worldwide.
The long-awaited 7X has three engines and features a fully computerised state-of-the art fly-by-wire flight control system which makes it remarkably safe, reliable and fuel efficient. It is also extraordinarily stable, which means flights are always comfortable even during periods of turbulence, and with a maximum cruise speed of 515 knots (953km/h) it’s almost supersonic. This means it can operate direct flights from Moscow to long-haul destinations including Washington DC (with charter prices from €160,000), San Francisco (from €200,000), Tokyo (from €180,000), Barbados (from €185,000), Hong Kong (from €175,000), and the Seychelles (from €160,000).
“We have many discerning high-end clients in Russia and CIS who are looking to charter over longer sectors now,” said David Macdonald, Air Partner Private Jets sales director. “High net worth Russian flyers in particular attach significant importance to flying in the newest, fastest, long range aircraft, so this high speed 7X is going to be very appealing.
“Our Russian clientele also appreciate that Air Partner is the only aviation company to hold a Royal Warrant by Appointment to Her Majesty Elizabeth II. We are security cleared to the highest level and have a dedicated team for VIP flights, with special security procedures for flying Heads of State, Princes, Presidents, Prime Ministers and senior Government Ministers. Air Partner routinely works with government agencies and has carried world leaders and dignitaries from more than 30 countries.”
The Air Alsie 7Xs are configured with 12 plush leather VIP seats, affording plenty of space to both work and relax, and feature sophisticated in-flight entertainment systems. The 7X has also been specifically designed to utilise shorter runways, enabling it to take-off and land at smaller airports, offering even greater flexibility.
Flying privately, clients always enjoy a smooth journey through exclusive business aviation terminals (known as FBOs) where discretion and privacy are paramount. FBOs are located away from the commercial passenger terminals at mainstay hub and regional airports with none of the queues, delays and hassle that is too often synonymous with scheduled air travel.
The Falcon 7X is the next evolution of the Dassault range of aircraft replacing the legendary Falcon 900 as their flagship product. With its sophisticated suite of avionics the aircraft can cruise at 51,000 ft, (15,545 m) – higher than other similar sized private jet.
Air Partner has been appointed as Air Alsie’s general sales agent for Russia and CIS countries. It will also be promoting all other jet types from the operator’s managed fleet, including their Falcon 2000EX and 900EX.
Denmark-based Air Alsie commenced operations in 1993. It specialises in air charter, aircraft management, advisory and maintenance activity on the Falcon 2000 and 900 Series, the Hawker 800 Series, plus Cessna Citation 525 and 650. It enjoys an industry-wide reputation for its highly experienced flight crews and excellent safety record. Its flight crews have flown to virtually every continent, which means they know how to deal with mountainous terrain and difficult weather conditions. www.alsie.com
About Air Partner
Air Partner has earned global recognition as a leading corporate jet charter provider, with specialist divisions including Private Jets, Commercial Jets and Air Freight. The Air Partner group was formed in 1961, is fully listed on the London Stock Exchange, debt free and has £14.7m in cash at the end of the half year to 31 January 2010.
Tags: Air freight, Business jets, Corporate jets, Private Jet, Private jet hire
29 Jun 10 Air Partner gets on its bike for charity … helps heroes … and …
A 23-strong team from Crawley, West Sussex-based aviation company Air Partner participated in the London to Brighton Bike Ride on Sunday 20th June in aid of the British Heart Foundation. The group, led by Emma Kefford from marketing, has raised an impressive £1,300 so far and donations continue to roll in.
Air Partner pledges to match the total amount raised with a separate donation to its principal 2010 charity Help for Heroes, which raises money to provide direct and practical support for the serving wounded from all three Armed Forces.
Recently, a cheque for £2,500 was handed over to Sarah Walker, Help for Heroes’ Charity of the Year Co-ordinator, following a special fund raising day at the company’s offices near London Gatwick Airport. Half of the money was raised by team members who dug deep to participate in a variety of games and competitions.
Air Partner, a world leading private jet hire specialist, provides financial support to a range of national and regional good causes. Local organisations to have benefitted so far this year include Look Sussex, which supports families with visually impaired children, and the special Support Centre at Desmond Anderson Primary School, Crawley.
… Supports the Fulham Badgers’ trip to Hong Kong
The company also contributed £2,300 towards a pioneering trip to Hong Kong for Fulham Football Club Foundation’s Badgers, a team of talented young players who have Down’s syndrome. Fourteen of them enjoyed a week of learning, football matches and sightseeing in Hong Kong at the end of May in a memorable trip arranged by the Fulham Football Club Foundation in partnership with the Down’s Syndrome Association. Prior to the trip, Air Partner representatives enjoyed meeting the players at a pre-departure party in London.
About Air Partner:
Air Partner is a world-class provider of aviation services to industry, commerce, governments and individuals worldwide. The company has earned global recognition as a private jet charter broker, organising ad hoc charters of aircraft of every size for any reason. Its core divisions comprise Air Partner Private Jets, Air Partner Commercial Jets and Air Partner Freight a leading air freight charter service. Air Partner Private Jets offers on-demand charter and the company’s unique pre-paid JetCard scheme. The Commercial Jets division charters airliners with 20 to 500 seats to move groups of every size including business jets. Air Partner Freight charters aircraft of every size to fly any cargo anywhere, at any time.
Media contacts:
Alison Chambers/Helen Stevens
Emerald Media
T +44 1962 736600
M +44 (0)7721 882939
Tags: Air freight, Air Partner, Business jets, Corporate jets, Private jet hire
