UAS EXPANDS PREMIUM TRIP SUPPORT IN AFRICA AS AIR TRAFFIC FROM CHINA GROWS

Wednesday 16th April 2014

In a strategic plan to bridge the service gap between China and Africa, and to create improved opportunities for business aviation in these fast track economies United Aviation Services (UAS), a preferred provider of international trip support services for flight operators, VIP and government officials, is strengthening its Asian offering by enhancing its local presence and service across Africa. In addition to opening a continental headquarters in Johannesburg, South Africa, it has opened regional offices in the key cities of Lagos, Nigeria, and Nairobi, Kenya.

In February 2014, UAS announced the expansion of its presence in China with the formation of a locally based client support team.  "We already have a big presence in China" said Mohammed Husary, UAS Co-Founder & Executive President. "Everyday we handle 25 to 50 aircraft into and out of the country. Part of our growth plan is to have a regional headquarters in China by 2015, similar to those we have in Houston and now Johannesburg." UAS's plan to launch a headquarters in China, coupled with its extensive network in Africa, will position the company to better support the burgeoning number of flights between the two regions.

UAS decision to open the new regional headquarters is a response to the strengthening economic ties between what are said to be the two fastest-growing business jet markets, China and Africa, and in particular Nigeria. Husary continues, "as infrastructure develops business aviation needs skilled professionals on the ground who are ready for anything. UAS agents and representatives speak the local languages, are in constant contact with authorities and vendors so have current information, and have a deep understanding of the local and regional business and aviation environments. They can often diagnose and address issues before they become problems so creating a seamless experience."

For UAS, this attention to quality is an essential part of its strategy - a strategy that is paying off. Having served more than 7,000 flights in Africa in 2013, the Company has recorded a 13% growth in flight support requests to the region, originating from China. UAS anticipates an additional 10% growth by 2015. "Our Chinese clients are looking for a reliable provider who can get the job done, regardless of the circumstances" says Wynand Meyer, UAS' Regional Director of Africa. "Our local staff is fully equipped with state-of-the-art remote communications tools, allowing for real-time monitoring of equipment and fuel availability, access to the latest NOTAMs, and instant notification of trip-plan deviations that enable staff to mitigate complications without compromising UAS's exceptional level of services," he adds.

UAS will be maximizing its time at this year's Asian Business Aviation Conference and Exhibition, which is taking place on April 15-17, in Shanghai, China to promote its attention to detail and its commitment to  providing air access to remote communities; supporting the travel needs of many types of companies; and ensuring flexibility and efficiency. In so doing, it aims to become the preferred provider of international trip planning and support services to corporate flight operators, charter operators, and private VIP clients.:

UAS team members will be available to aviation professionals and members of the media at ABACE, Shanghai Hongqiao Airport at the Shanghai Hawker Pacific Business Aviation Service Centre, stand #H214, from April 15-17.

About UAS:

For more than a decade, UAS has set the standard for international trip support services to corporate, VIP, and commercial operators. With offices around the globe, regional headquarters on four continents, and unmatched access to more than 100 civil aviation authorities and government agencies, UAS is strategically linked to key destinations in Africa, Europe, Asia and North and South America.

Services include

• Global flight planning and weather services

• Quality ground handling services

• Short-notice overflight and landing permits

• Pre-arranged fuel services

• Crew and VIP airport and ground assistance

• Luxury hotel accommodation and transportation arrangement

• Exclusive airport meet-and-assist services

• Gourmet catering services