Advertorial: ExecuJet identifies growth in Africa

ExecuJet, part of the Luxaviation Group, is seeing growth opportunities in Africa and through its bases in Johannesburg (Lanseria) and Cape Town, South Africa; Lagos, Nigeria; and Seychelles, are ready to serve clients on various levels within the business aviation scope, from charter to aircraft management and FBO services.

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ExecuJet recently expanded its managed fleet in Africa with the addition of a Bombardier Challenger 350, based in Nairobi, Kenya. The jet has been registered on Luxaviation’s new San Marino aircraft register and will be one of the first aircraft to be operated on the Luxaviation San Marino Air Operating Certificate (AOC). The Challenger 350 boasts capacity for up to 10 passengers and, with a range of 3,200 nautical miles, is capable of flying non-stop from Nairobi to Barcelona.

“We are delighted to be bringing Bombardier’s premier mid-size business jet to our customers in East Africa,” says Gavin Kiggen, Vice-President Africa, ExecuJet. “This latest addition underlines the exciting growth in business aviation movements currently being seen in the region and we are dedicated to supporting this encouraging trend with our expanded fleet.”

“Our San Marino AOC is quickly becoming the go-to option for Luxaviation’s customers across the globe, with aircraft from Europe and the Middle East, and now East Africa, on our register,” says Robert Fisch, Managing Director at Luxaviation San Marino AOC. “We look forward to introducing many more customers to the industry-leading safety and service standards maintained at our San Marino AOC in the near future.”

With the company’s acclaimed understanding of aircraft management, ExecuJet’s fleet benefits from an established global fixed-base operation (FBO) network, which ensures customers receive the most competitive fuel and service prices. Clients are also supported by ExecuJet’s award-winning maintenance and repair organisation (MRO) facilities and the highest safety standards in the industry.

EXECUJET TOURS & SAFARIS

ExecuJet has also launched a ‘Tours & Safaris’ offering, in partnership with two of Africa’s leading safari operators: Luxury Short Safari and Discovery Safaris.

ExecuJet Tours & Safaris offers a range of tailor-made safari itineraries with private aircraft flights and transfers. The partners were hand-picked by ExecuJet for their exemplary safety and service standards, matching ExecuJet’s own. Locations include all African safari destinations and the surrounding Indian Ocean islands.

“Safaris are an integral part of African travel, providing a window into the rich, diverse and complex environment of this astonishing continent,” says Kiggen. “Private aircraft are perfectly suited to this kind of exploration – they afford you increased travel flexibility, can land on short or dirt runways and take you directly to your destination, and give our customers enhanced luxury, privacy and comfort. We’re incredibly excited to partner with Luxury Short Safari and Discovery Safaris, offering clients bespoke and seamless experiences across Africa.”

PILATUS PC-24

ExecuJet recently became the first business aviation company to operate and manage a Pilatus PC-24 ‘Super Versatile Jet’ in Africa. A second Pilatus PC-24 recently joined the managed aircraft fleet and both aircraft are based at ExecuJet’s world-class FBO at Cape Town International Airport.

The PC-24, developed by Swiss OEM Pilatus, has been dubbed the ‘Super Versatile Jet’ due to its flexibility and ability to operate in and out of very short and unpaved runways, making it the perfect solution for safari clients.

“Africa is the perfect environment for the PC-24, with its testing terrain and challenging runways, and we were honoured to be the first business aviation operator to manage the aircraft in the region,” says Kiggen. “ExecuJet’s worldwide commitment to service excellence makes us industry-leading in our field, which is testament to all the hard work and dedication exhibited by our staff and partners. The aircraft has proved very successful on various charter missions and we are delighted that a second PC-24 has joined our fleet.”

The PC-24’s interior is unmatched in its combined comfort and functionality. Each component has been chosen to enhance the passenger experience – soft leathers and rare hardwood cabinetry create a bespoke interior that reflects the meticulous design of the aircraft. The generously-sized cabin boasts a continuous flat floor and allows for an exceptional amount of headroom for both passengers and crew.

The PC-24 offers charter clients the latest in in-flight entertainment and connectivity. With an eight-seat passenger configuration, the aircraft can reach Angola, Zambia, Malawi, and Mozambique from Cape Town.

EXECUJET CAPE TOWN

Since opening its doors in 2004 at Cape Town International Airport, ExecuJet has been actively developing its operations in the Western Cape of South Africa and in 2009 moved into its own world-class FBO facility.

This purpose-built state-of-the-art FBO facility is strategically-located parallel to the main runway and boasts 5,000m2 of hangar space and 7,000m2 of dedicated ramp parking, as well as exclusive access to the taxiway and runway at Cape Town International Airport. ExecuJet offers clients VIP lounges, secretarial services, undercover parking facilities, and a fully-equipped boardroom.

The FBO is celebrating its 10th year in operation since moving into the new facility, and with that grown the charter fleet to 11 resident business aircraft. The fleet ranges from turboprop aircraft, such as the Pilatus PC-12 and King Air 200, to jets, such as the Cessna Citation Mustang, Hawker 800XP, LearJet 45 and two Pilatus PC-24 jets.

The FBO itself is a regular hive of activity with visiting business aircraft from across the globe. Over and above the expected FBO services such as fuel supply, catering, parking, hotel and ground arrangements, the FBO also offers helicopter transfers and concierge shopping for clients with various exclusive brand partners.

ABOUT LUXAVIATION GROUP

Luxaviation is one of the largest private aircraft operators in the world. It is comprised of Luxaviation Helicopters, Starspeed and some of the world’s leading business aviation entities, including ExecuJet. The group offers a wide range of services including aircraft management for private and commercially-registered aircraft, charter, maintenance and fixed-base operations (FBOs). Luxaviation operates globally across Africa, Asia-Pacific, the Caribbean, Europe, Latin America and the Middle East, under the regulatory umbrella of 15 air operator’s certificates (AOCs). Luxaviation has a global network of 28 FBOs, which are operated under the ExecuJet brand. Combined, Luxaviation operates more than 260 jets and helicopters under the most stringent safety standards. Luxaviation currently employs more than 1,000 employees worldwide. Further information: www.luxaviation.com. C

EXECUJET CONTACT

Tel: +27 11 516 2300 / +27 82 330 7399

Email: charter@execujet.co.za