http://www.charterx.com Industry headlines from CharterX. Buy and sell air charter easily. en-US ; http://www.charterx.com/resources/article.aspx?id=9594 Smart Aviation is pleased to announce the appointment of Mrs Marianne Irving to the broking team as Senior Sales Executive. Marianne comes to Smart with a wealth of knowledge and experience having worked in the Aircraft Charter Industry for over 20 years.

Marianne has executed hundreds of successful charter contracts on behalf of a wide range of clients, mainly from the Conference and Incentive, Automotive, and Government & Military sectors of the business.

Smart Aviation Sales Director Matthew Savage commented: “We are delighted to welcome such a successful and well respected member of the charter industry to Smart. Our ability to attract highly regarded individuals such as Marianne is in keeping with our strategy of succeeding by being totally focused on serving the needs of our clients. We have the resources and credibility to win contracts on behalf of major corporations worldwide, yet we still have the ability to act fast and react to changes quickly, something which is essential in today’s challenging market.

The added skills, expertise and credibility that Marianne brings to compliment the team makes this a very exciting appointment, and we look forward to further successes in a challenging business environment where it really pays to be Smart.”

For further information, please contact Matthew Savage, Sales Director.

E-mail your press releases, news tips and feedback to the CharterX News Editor at News@CharterX.com.]]> CharterX 2012-02-04T00:00:00+00:00 ; http://www.charterx.com/resources/article.aspx?id=9596 Gama Group, the global business aviation and services company today announced the appointment of Neil Gibson as a key member of its senior management team, with the task of implementing its growth strategy in the Middle East and Asia regions.

Neil brings with him a wealth of industry knowledge. Following a career in the Royal Air Force, Neil has held a number of key posts within the business aviation community including CEO of TAG Aviation Asia, Managing Director of TAG Aviation UK, CEO of TAG Australia, Vice President of Hawker Pacific’s Flight Services Group and, most recently, Neil led PremiAir’s Charter & Management Division.

In addition Neil is a keen private pilot.

“I am delighted to be able to welcome Neil to the Gama senior management team,” said Marwan Khalek, Gama Group CEO. “With his broad international business aviation experience, Neil brings enviable industry experience and joins us at a time of significant growth for Gama in the Middle East and Asia regions.”

In his new role Neil will work throughout Gama’s growing network of Middle East and Asian offices and will report directly to Gama’s Regional Managing Director, Dave Edwards.

Neil’s appointment is with immediate effect.

E-mail your press releases, news tips and feedback to the CharterX News Editor at News@CharterX.com.]]> CharterX 2012-02-04T00:00:00+00:00 ; http://www.charterx.com/resources/article.aspx?id=9598 Pentastar Aviation announced the final results of their “Fight Disaster” campaign in partnership with Sky Hope Network at the NBAA Schedulers & Dispatchers Grand Prize Luncheon. “Team Pentastar” raised $600 for the non-profit business aviation-based organization.

Visible throughout the conference in their bright blue boxing robes, Team Pentastar encouraged attendees to throw a few punches on the Wii virtual boxing game set up in their booth to raise funds and awareness for Sky Hope. All attendees who donated or boxed were entered into a drawing for an iPad 2 as well as four daily drawings for $100. Pentastar matched all donations.

2012 marked Pentastar’s second year supporting Sky Hope Network during the Schedulers & Dispatchers Conference. As in 2011, this year’s promotion sought to raise funds for Sky Hope while raising awareness of volunteer opportunities among the scheduling and dispatching community.

With many attendees stepping into the ring to box and eagerly filling the donation box, the promotion seemed to generate significant buzz around the conference for both Sky Hope Network and Pentastar Aviation.

“It was our pleasure to support Sky Hope again this year,” Danielle Tanner, Corporate Communications Specialist, Pentastar Aviation said. “It was a great conversation starter at the show and a fun way to give back. This year’s promotion was met with both generosity and enthusiasm. I’m proud to be a part of this incredible group of professionals.”

Sky Hope Network representatives noted that both the business aviation network, as well as the schedulers & dispatchers network is far-reaching and built on solid relationships, making this community the perfect fit for an organization like Sky Hope.

“We'd like to thank Team Pentastar for once again spreading awareness about the important role that business aviation resources play during emergencies and urgent situations,” said Robin Eissler, President & Founder, Sky Hope Network. “These donations and the increased awareness of Sky Hope Network’s mission make a difference to those in need. In the simplest terms, whether the mission is to deliver supplies or to save a life, an offer of assistance is also an offer of hope.”

E-mail your press releases, news tips and feedback to the CharterX News Editor at News@CharterX.com.]]> CharterX 2012-02-04T00:00:00+00:00 ; http://www.charterx.com/resources/article.aspx?id=9600 Air Charter Service, has reported an increase in sales figures of more than 20% over the last six months, following results from the first half of 2011 which also showed strong growth.



Air Charter Service’s Chairman and Founder, Chris Leach, said: “As with many other charter companies figures for the first half of 2011 were boosted by evacuation charters relating to the Arab Spring uprisings. We are especially pleased with the last six months however, as we have still shown strong results despite the absence of such ‘exceptional’ circumstances. Our underlying growth throughout the year was strong, considering the uncertain state of the world’s economy. Much of our success over the past few years has been down to the opening of new operations, and I am confident that the ACS business model is robust and that we will see further expansion in 2012 – including the opening of our new Mumbai office next week (6th Feb 2012).”



The results are consistent with Air Charter Service’s year on year growth over the past decade, as the company now arranges more than 6,000 charters a year and has a revenue in excess of $400 million.

E-mail your press releases, news tips and feedback to the CharterX News Editor at News@CharterX.com.
]]> CharterX 2012-02-04T00:00:00+00:00 ; http://www.charterx.com/resources/article.aspx?id=9602 The ExecuJet Aviation Group reported an exceptionally busy period during 25-29th January supporting visiting jets whose VIP passengers were headed for the World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting held at Davos-Klosters in Switzerland. The company handled over 300 private aviation movements during the event with a high majority being ultra-long range aircraft.

To facilitate additional aircraft parking requirements during the WEF, ExecuJet once again secured an exclusive agreement with Dübendorf Airport (LSMD) the military-owned airport conveniently located just 5 nm north of Zurich airport. The facility proved extremely popular this year with ExecuJet handling over double the amount of aircraft compared with last year.

Viviane Sigg, who has recently been appointed as FBO Manager at Zurich said: “The WEF is always our busiest time of year in Zurich and it was a tremendous responsibility for me to oversee ExecuJet’s facilities at Zurich and Dübendorf during such a crucial event. We handled flights for visiting VIPs from all over the world, including several European and International Heads of State. The team rose to the task and I’m delighted that ExecuJet’s business aviation clients were able to arrive and depart with ease.” Viviane has replaced Nicole Gut who continues her role as Director European FBOs for ExecuJet’s fast growing European FBO network.

ExecuJet operates 10 FBOs in Europe and a further six in strategically located destinations worldwide. In Europe ExecuJet provides handling and FBO services in Zurich, Berlin, Paris (in partnership with Advanced Air Support) Frankfurt, Palma, Gerona, Barcelona, Ibiza and Valencia as well as the newly opened FBO in Cambridge, ideally located just on hour north of the Olympic Stadium.

E-mail your press releases, news tips and feedback to the CharterX News Editor at News@CharterX.com.]]> CharterX 2012-02-04T00:00:00+00:00 ; http://www.charterx.com/resources/article.aspx?id=9590 Key Air, a leading national provider of worldwide private jet charter, best-in-class aircraft management and FBO services, proudly announces the recent addition of Greg Kinsella to its management team as the VP of Business Development. Mr. Kinsella joins Key Air with over 20 years of diverse aviation experience and a proven track record of successful business development. His prior experience in the aviation industry spans key positions at major airframe and engine OEMs, global financial institutions and esteemed business aviation operations both private and commercial alike. More recently Mr. Kinsella held the position of Chief Operating Officer for a national aircraft management company where he was instrumental in expanding the business.

“Key Air is one of only a few business aircraft operators in the country that can enjoy the prestige of over 25 years of continuous operation and more than 100,000 hours of flight operations with a fleet of the most sophisticated private jet charter aircraft in the industry. I am excited to have the opportunity to join the high caliber of individuals leading the Key Air team and I look forward to continuing to grow our fleet of world class aircraft and first class FBO locations while providing first class service to our clients,” states Mr. Kinsella.

“We are thrilled that Key Air is continuing to attract highly experienced and respected industry veterans to our management team,” notes Key Air’s President and CEO, Bob Marinace. “We look forward to Greg’s expertise to further develop our managed fleet of aircraft as well as other business opportunities. He will be a huge asset to the Key Air team.”

Key Air is equally proud to announce it is one of only a few select operators to receive FAA authorization to use the Apple iPad in place of paper charts. Key Air already has FAA authorization to use an Electronic Flight Bag (EFB), but most recently, through rigorous testing and evaluation, it has received authorization from the FAA to add the iPad and its associated app to its operating authority. Key Air’s pilots and aircraft will be using the iPads during commercial flight operations alleviating the added weight of manuals and additional devices while contributing to a greener environment of a paperless cockpit.

“The iPad approval really puts us at the cutting edge of new technology and is a great support tool for our flight crews. Our operations and maintenance teams did a great job of partnering with the FAA on this project and we look forward to similar opportunities to provide high tech resources to our crews and clients,” stated Mr. Marinace.

E-mail your press releases, news tips and feedback to the CharterX News Editor at News@CharterX.com.]]> CharterX 2012-02-03T00:00:00+00:00 ; http://www.charterx.com/resources/article.aspx?id=9592 DC Aviation and the med con team is to be immediately expanded to the entire fleet. The 24/7 Alarm Center of the Team is specialized towards providing in-flight tele-medical support. Via satellite telephone, specially trained experts guide the crew first responders professionally through critical situations. While considering the condition of the patient, as well as the current position of the aircraft, the captain’s decision-making is competently supported. With pertinent information, the med con team is, if needed, capable of recommending an airport with quickly accessible and adequate installations, and of organizing any additional care including transportation before the aircraft lands.

In the event of a medical emergency on board of an airplane, it is of utmost importance to conduct a flight/medical evaluation of the situation. Based on it, the right decisions and measures to be taken, and unnecessary cost-intensive intermediate stops can be avoided. In this fashion, optimal medical care for the passengers is ensured, which can be life-saving under certain circumstances.

DC Aviation greatly values the health of its guests on board. In addition to basic first aid measures, our cabin personnel are also trained in the use of defibrillators in annual First Aid courses. All of the airplanes of DC Aviation are equipped with the most advanced, automated defibrillators.

E-mail your press releases, news tips and feedback to the CharterX News Editor at News@CharterX.com.]]> CharterX 2012-02-03T00:00:00+00:00 ; http://www.charterx.com/resources/article.aspx?id=9582
ExcelAire is a premier provider of general aviation services at MacArthur Airport and has a strong market share of fuel uplift, 20 large cabin aircraft under management through its Part 135 Charter Certificate and several service center designations through its Part 145 Repair Station License. Hawthorne is a general aviation services company which was founded in 1932 and is headquartered in Charleston, SC. Through its 80 year history it has been involved in all aspects of the aviation industry.

Steven Levesque, President & CEO of Hawthorne, said, “We are delighted to be teaming up with ExcelAire as we focus on building our fixed based operations network. This acquisition highlights our continued FBO focus with expansion into aircraft charter, management and maintenance since we teamed up with Moelis Capital Partners.”

Moelis Capital Partners and Hawthorne Corporation formed Hawthorne Global Aviation Services in November of 2011 and Moelis Capital Partners, alongside its equity investment, provides the company with strategic advice.

Kurt Larsen, a Managing Partner at MCP, said, “This is an excellent first deal for Hawthorne’s current platform that will provide a firm foundation from which we build a network of FBOs across North America. This is the first of many such acquisitions.”

The current executive management of ExcelAire will continue in their leadership roles at the facility. Bob Sherry, CEO of ExcelAire, said, “We are pleased to be associated with a group such as Hawthorne that is so highly regarded in the general aviation industry.” David Rimmer, President of ExcelAire, added, “The Hawthorne team brings significant experience and deep resources to our operation and we look forward to delivering an even greater service experience to our customers.”

E-mail your press releases, news tips and feedback to the CharterX News Editor at News@CharterX.com.]]> CharterX 2012-02-02T00:00:00+00:00 ; http://www.charterx.com/resources/article.aspx?id=9584 Million Air Dallas announced today the addition of another Challenger 300 to its existing charter fleet. With the largest charter fleet in Texas, Million Air Dallas offers its clients the following aircraft choices: Gulfstream G450, Gulfstream G-IV SP, Embraer Legacy, Challenger 300, Falcon 50, Hawker 800XP, Hawker 800A, Citation III, Hawker 700, Learjet 40XR, Citation Ultra, Citation CJ3, Citation CJ2, and Learjet 31A.

Sophisticated. Comfortable. Transcontinental. The Challenger 300 is a super-midsize corporate jet and considered a true executive office for the skies! With a spacious forward galley, a four-place club grouping in the forward, a two-place club and three seat divan in the rear, with an enclosed lavatory, this cabin is perfect for meetings, dining or relaxing. The special ‘market designed’ cabin with a 6.08 ft. height includes Flight phone, fax, and CD/DVD. Maximum seating of 9, having a range of 3,100nm, this jet allows you to fly from one continent to the other.

Please view our website for full specifications and photos of this luxurious jet.

“We are proud to be the leading Part 135 operator with the largest modern charter fleet in the Texas area, and continue to add the best jets available. We operate with safety being our number one priority,” states Bob Schmidt, Director of Operations - Million Air Dallas.

Million Air Dallas is a member of the Wyvern Wingman program, holds the "Diamond" award for maintenance excellence from the FAA, is registered by the ACSF (Air Charter Safety Foundation) and by IS/BAO and has successfully met all the Safety Management System requirements at the Stage II level.

Since 1984, Million Air Dallas has combined luxurious flight services with award winning excellence. By providing the highest level of service at competitive rates, Million Air Dallas continues to take the industry to new heights. We offer outstanding service in aircraft charter, aircraft sales, aircraft management, FBO services, and aircraft maintenance. Customers receive 24-hour access to the fleet without having to purchase a membership, place a large deposit, pay capital or leasing costs, or monthly management fees.

E-mail your press releases, news tips and feedback to the CharterX News Editor at News@CharterX.com.]]> CharterX 2012-02-02T00:00:00+00:00 ; http://www.charterx.com/resources/article.aspx?id=9586 SC Aviation, a well-respected Flight Department and Charter Operator serving Chicago, Milwaukee, Minneapolis and Madison, WI, is pleased to announce the arrival of two established aviation sales and marketing professionals and an internal promotion of a veteran charter representative.

Dan Morrison, Director of Charter Sales, joins SC Aviation with over 10 years in the private aviation field. Serving most recently as Director of Charter Sales with Key Air, Morrison spent many years prior in various roles with venerable aviation mainstay, Citation Air. Morrison will develop sales relationships for charter and aircraft management. Dan graduated from Olivet Nazarene University in Bourbonnais, Illinois.

SC Aviation also welcomes Andy Schweickert, Director of Marketing. Schweickert served as Marketing Director for DB Aviation in suburban Chicago for 5 years after his work with the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) as Manager of Static Displays and Regional Forums. Andy will be responsible for driving the SC Aviation brand, communications and all marketing initiatives. Schweickert holds a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Illinois, Urbana and a Master’s Degree in Public Relations and Advertising from DePaul University.

Margaret Clark has been promoted to Charter Manager. Clark has worked within aviation for over 25 years with the last 10 at SC Aviation. Margaret is responsible for day-to-day management of the scheduling department and its three schedulers.

“To say ‘We are excited’ would be an understatement,” said Ernie Grainger, President, SC Aviation. “The reputations Dan and Andy have cultivated in the industry reflect our commitment to excellence.”

SC Aviation is a wholly owned subsidiary of Colony Brands, INC. Colony Brands has maintained an accident-free flight department since 1946 fulfilling our commitment to the highest standards in the industry. Currently operating five aircraft on a FAR Part 135 certificate, SC Aviation proudly serves the greater Chicago, Milwaukee, Minneapolis and Madison, WI areas. SC Aviation carries a Wyvern Wingman safety rating.

E-mail your press releases, news tips and feedback to the CharterX News Editor at News@CharterX.com.]]> CharterX 2012-02-02T00:00:00+00:00