ExecuJet announces strong Q1 growth for business aviation in Africa

ExecuJet’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. ExecuJet’s Cape Town FBO, based at Cape Town International Airport (CPT), experienced 19% growth in the same period while ExecuJet’s FBO in Lagos, Nigeria, experienced 13% growth.

Graeme Duckworth, Vice President Africa, ExecuJet, said: “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.

ExecuJet handles 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. 

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.” 

ExecuJet continues 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. 

ExecuJet 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 added: “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.”