Aviacare launches EMEA strategy - new look and feel for FBO Consultancy

Tuesday 1st October 2013

Catherine Gaisenband, former owner of the Spanish FBO (Fixed Base Operator) network Assistair has this week re-launched Aviacare. Based on the Côte D'Azur, the three year old business aviation consultancy already offers a range of services that support the business aviation community's vast network of FBOs in Europe. The newly branded Aviacare will continue to provide FBO consultancy but has widened the scope of services offered to include, aircraft brokerage, charter offerings, tender preparation, strategic partner identification, in addition to management support for external partner relationships eg managing architects for new build FBO properties. The re-launched business will also cover a broader geographic area that will extend to the Middle East, Russia and Africa, in addition to the existing European business.

Current services offered by Aviacare include training for FBO management and staff, management consultancy for FBO companies looking to improve their performance, project management for specific developments, and bespoke services that can support companies looking to start, improve or upgrade their FBO network. "The idea is that by using our expertise we can enable individual companies to maximise their existing FBO assets, or help generate FBO networks and brands that adapt and grow according to market demand," says Catherine about the business. "Our experience with the FBO side of the industry also means we have valuable knowledge about the business aviation market in general, so our clients benefit from a full range of skills when they work with us. FBO management is our key focus but we can also buy and sell aircraft, arrange charters and network on behalf of our clients when they have specific business requirements. Our heritage positions us well to offer these services," says Catherine about the expanding range of services on offer.

Aviacare is now focusing its marketing and sales activity on the emerging markets of Russia and Africa where it has identified numerous opportunities and is already in discussions with a number of companies who are interested in its offering. "One company is looking to build an FBO from scratch in an African country that is developing infrastructure after a period of unrest, whilst another business is interested in working on data projects to help identify what is needed for FBO's in Africa," says Catherine about potential new projects. Catherine has already spent a three month period working with Nigerian-based aviation services company Evergreen Apple Nigeria (EAN), where she advised on matters relating to FBO services, design and management. She launches the rebranded business following her attendance at the first regional African Business Aviation Symposium (AfBAA) held in Marrakech 26 - 27 September where she joined a panel that discussed challenges facing the vital support team of FBOs and ground handlers for business aviation across the continent.

In addition to her business development, and confirming her valuable experience, Catherine has also been asked to join the European Business Aviation Association's (EBAA), Airports Handling and Ground Organisation Committee, AHGOC, which aims to tackle, and/or prepare for, issues affecting business aviation such as the Better Airports Package. AHGOC will also help the Secretariat carry through important projects, such as the IS-BAH (International Standards for Business Aircraft Handling) standards in Europe. The committee will cover topics including safety and quality management, security, training, qualifications and other areas affecting ground handling in business aviation.

"With the new brand and business focus I am pleased to be able to support the EBAA committee, and am also looking forward to working with the emerging markets. Africa is particularly interesting as there are a number of countries which are developing their business aviation strategies at a fast pace, yet they do not necessarily have the infrastructure required to support the growing number of jets. Aviacare plans to work in conjunction with existing and new FBOs to support growth and ensure a sustainable FBO business is created. Russia is also interesting as the potential implementation of new government policies will require that each business aviation airport has two FBOs to generate more competition. I'm already in touch with the Russian Business Aviation Association to see how I can help," says Catherine about her own strategic growth.

Aviacare's new website - www.aviacare.eu - features a refreshed brand symbolising dynamism and flight. It includes information about the breadth of services on offer and has been designed to allow users to quickly find details about areas that interest them. It will also contain case studies so potential partners and clients can recognise how Aviacare can support them.  "We are an energetic business full of ideas and look forward to supporting the growth of FBO business across Europe, Africa, the Middle East and beyond," she concludes.

www.aviacare.eu