Strategic Aviation Solutions

Some of our Clients

Below is a selection of our Aviation Clients that we have arranged solutions for. Please click each header to get a full description of the services provided.

BUSINESS PLANS FOR NEW INDIAN SUB-CONTINENT AIRLINE. Produced all business plans for an international and domestic airline operation and assisted in investor presentations and seminars for a group of UK based ex-patriot Bangladeshi Nationals with the unique concept of a community funded airline operation linking both domestic and international communities.

ASSISTED MAJOR AIRCRAFT VENDOR IN NEGOTIATIONS STRATEGY WITH TOP 30 WORLD AIRLINE In conjunction with associates assisted a major vendor to a new aircraft launch to have their systems specified by one of the “best of breed’ top 30 International carriers.

This required innovative sales strategies and negotiation innovation in addition to use of industry contact base to succeed in a very complex evaluation and selection process.

STRATEGY ADVICE TO INDIGENOUS AIRLINES On behalf of indigenous shareholders completed an evaluation of current and future trading scenarios to ensure critical health services etc could be maintained. Recommendations were made and considered by the various indigenous investor groups.

LAUNCH OF DOMESTIC AIRLINE IN INDIA Produced a fully comprehensive business and financial plan for a new domestic airline to service 24 centres throughout Northern, Western and North East India with an expected commencement of operations in Q3 2006. Proposals were sought by the promoters for us to implement the plan and operate the airline for up to 3 years.

LAUNCH OF FREIGHT AIRLINE TO SERVICE DOMESTIC OVERNIGHT EXPRESS MARKET AND INTERNATIONAL SERVICES IN ASIA-PACIFIC BASIN

On behalf of a listed Australian investment corporation we have sold the concept of a 5-8 heavy jet overnight air express network to the corporations having the major market shares in the Australian market. After accepting the concept this resulted in the industry solution going to tender.

In this project we have arranged all business plans, response to the very detailed technical and financial tender, full funding and preparation for an IPO and application for a High Capacity RPT Air Operators Certificate in addition to sourcing and freighter conversion of the necessary aircraft assets..

Contract value is likely to exceed A$500 million.

APPRAISAL OF CARRIER TO ASSESS ONGOING CREDIT RISK ON BEHALF OF MAJOR AIRCRAFT LESSOR On behalf of a prominent International aircraft lessor carried out an assessment of a passenger carrier to allow them to decide the likely future prospects of the carrier to meet ongoing lease payments and repayment of arrears. Aircraft were left with the carrier who has traded to get all indebtedness current and future prospects are encouraging.

TAKE – OVER OF UK BASED ACMI AIRLINE On behalf of European investors we have negotiated the issue on an Air Operators Certificate and launch of a full maintenance facility to JAR 145 standards. This has involved the full supervision of the corporate structure, all statutory paperwork and full operational and engineering manuals in addition to the recruitment of key post holders. Additionally we have been involved in the presentation to potential client airlines plus attracting new opportunities for the company.

INVOLVEMENT IN AIRLINE MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS PROVISION AND WEB BOOKING ENGINES AND SECURITY SYSTEMS BY SHAREHOLDING IN “PLANITAS” We have taken an active role as a shareholder in the development of a full suite of airline revenue and web booking software that is faster and capable of greater data mining capabilities than systems reliant on traditional “ legacy” systems. The suite of software has a specific application in the tracking of passengers for national security organisations.

LAUNCH OF A “WET LEASING” AIRLINE IN BAHRAIN TO SERVE THE REGION AND NORTH/WEST AFRICA On behalf of European investors I have negotiate d the issue on an Air Operators Certificate and launch of a full maintenance facility to JAR 145 standards. This has involved the full supervision of the corporate structure, all statutory paperwork and tfull operational and engineering manuals in addition to the recruitment of key post holders. Additionally we have been involved in the presentation to potential client airlines plus attracting new opportunities for the company.

PREPARATION OF BUSINESS PLAN AND FINANCIAL FITNESS AND FUNDING DOCUMENTS FOR A UK BASED “LOW COST” AIRLINE On behalf of an AOC holder a full Business and Funding Plan was initially prepared and when finance was identified we then prepared the extensive documentation required by the CAA to satisfy financial fitness. SAS will implement the plan to launch on behalf of the equity investor and existing shareholder of the 8 aircraft “low cost” airline.

PREPARATION OF BUSINESS PLAN FOR MIDDLE EAST REGIONAL PASSENGER AIRLINE On behalf of European and Middle East interests an innovative business plan and funding document was prepared for an 8 aircraft regional network offering full combination carrier services. The project is likely to proceed and be implemented by us.

MANAGEMENT AND SUPERVISION OF A HEAVY EXECUTIVE JET ON BEHALF OF AN OFFSHORE FINANCIAL INSTITUTION We were involved in the supervision of the acquisition and attachment to an AOC of a 10 seat near new Executive Jet for an offshore financial institution. Additionally we provide ongoing supervision of all contractors to ensure safe, secure operations.

ACQUISITION OF EUROPEAN CARRIER AND ONGOING MANAGEMENT On behalf of lenders foreclosed on a European JAR qualified carrier and resold it to new financial interests. Was involved in the stabilisation of the company and stepped in as the "Accountable Manager" to satisfy the regulators. Have initiated fleet expansion on a hosted basis and revised post holder structure to allow this expansion. Have supervised the delivery of additional new business jets.

LAUNCH OF NEW AVIATION RELATED IT PROJECTS Involved in the attraction of finance and equity partners for two major aviation related technology projects that are now being rolled out to the market. Serving as a Director of both companies.

BUSINESS PLAN FOR MAJOR OVERNIGHT NETWORK IN CHINA On behalf of an ongoing client worked with their joint venture partners to put together a business plan to construct an overnight express mail system in China including the planning and selection of a sorting hub. Project awaiting Government approval.

EUROPEAN PASSENGER AIRLINE ACQUISITION Introduced new shareholders to take over a troubled European passenger airline operating its own jet routes and franchise operations for one of top 5 World Airlines.

Assisted in the legal processes to enable re-capitalisation.

Retained on an ongoing basis to supervise the acquisition of additional equipment, insurance renewals, engineering cost reductions, operational and handling cost reductions and strategic planning and revenue enhancement.

AUSTRALIAN START-UP LOW COST CARRIER Co-ordinating the European fund raising and equipment acquisition for an exciting new 'no frills' domestic jet carrier.

SALE OF AIRLINE COMPANIES WITH LICENCES Advising two vendors on the sale of their companies holding full European Air Operators Certificates.

EXPRESS FREIGHT - EUROPE In conjunction with a major client co-ordinated the strategy and production of presentation documents in order to attempt to expand the participation in the operation of a 40-plus jet freighter fleet for the overnight express industry in Europe with revenues in excess of £70 million.

COMBINATION CARRIER PURCHASE For a US client, have advised and taken part in negotiations to acquire an international/Domestic full service, full function US passenger and cargo carrier. Retained to carry out ongoing re-orientation, strategic planning and equipment selection. Have also introduced additional eligible shareholders.

EXPRESS FREIGHT/CARGO NETWORK – ASIA On behalf of a major Asian investor with airline and aircraft leasing interests we have brought together all the parties to utilise a network of over ten jet aircraft which has involved the setting up of hub sites, airline acquisitions, production of all documents to Memorandum of Understanding, and general project management.

As a by-product of the initial project a long haul wide bodied cargo airline will be launched to operate on long haul sectors.

EUROPEAN AIRLINE START-UP TO PROVIDE BACK-UP AIRCRAFT TO SCHEDULED PASSENGER CARRIERS Contracted to an investment group to assist in the acquisition of an existing carrier and expansion of this carrier. To provide a fleet of Boeing 737-300 passenger and Quick Change aircraft to support back up requirements for major carriers plus ad hoc charter demands.

GMG AIRLINES - BANGLADESH

This is probably the most difficult assignment completed.

We produced the Business Plan for approval by financiers, banks and lessors to set up a domestic airline with modern turbo-prop equipment and to be operated to Western standards.

Having produced the Business Plan and Financial feasibility we advised the airline right through to start up of services with leased Bombardier Dash 8-100 aircraft. In this time we negotiated every financial, legal, insurance, acceptance, maintenance and product support aspects. GMG Airlines operate to Western standards at European costs of leasing, finance, insurance and engineering despite Bangladesh having a difficult reputation in the financial and aviation world.

EURO DIRECT AIRLINES LTD. We launched this new regional passenger airline in under five months with full EC Licence, having recruited the entire infrastructure which included Flight & Cabin Crew, Accounts, Reservations, Engineering, Sales & Marketing and Handling (including Catering).

Within first six months of operation the Airline was flying fourteen turboprop aircraft within Europe having gained slots at major airports such as Paris, Manchester, Amsterdam, Brussels and Stansted.

Over 300,000 passengers were flown in the first year with excellent repeat business from business and leisure markets.

The Airline closed due to change in strategy of major investor, with all debts settled.

BRITISH WORLD AIRLINES LTD.

This Airline had operated for over forty years under various names and owners and required a new name, image, strategy and direction.

Changed name, aircraft livery, uniforms, etc.

Maintained profitability and serviced loan repayments of £2.5m per year and interest of £1.0m. per year.

Expanded Jet fleet from two to eight.

Re-oriented £35m turnover from 70% freight contracts to 70% passenger business at time when freight accounts were declining due to customers flying their own aircraft.

Expanded the Company into Inclusive Tour flying for major operators.

Secured BS5750 and I.S.O.9002 accreditation.

Secured £15m Ministry of Defence UK/Germany trooping contract.

Renegotiated £10m contract with Shell for carriage of offshore rig workers.

Introduced new turbo prop equipment on extended Shell contract.

Won three major annual contracts for Royal Mail Parcelforce for parcel carriage.

Introduced new staff attitudes on the ground and in-flight.

The Airline was winner in 1991 and runner up in 1992 as Charter Airline of the Year.

The above was achieved during recession and no introduction of new capital.

The existing management and operational teams were kept together doing process of change.

This Airline still operates today in same markets.

TNT INTERNATIONAL AVIATION SERVICES

Set up from nothing the most modern jet linehaul system in Europe for the carriage of express freight and courier material on an overnight across Europe basis.

Currently operates twenty five large jet aircraft freighters to forty five airports across Europe from a German mechanised sorting hub.

By day the aircraft fleet serves the time critical air freight charter market.

Three individual new airlines were set up to avail the necessary traffic rights required to operate the overnight network. Five other airlines were franchised to operate aircraft on TNT’s behalf.

Full engineering facilities were established to maintain the fleet including heavy checks.

Established an Asian network to mirror the European operation with a hub in Manilla.

This network utilises four large jet aircraft.

Since this was a totally new operation within the largest land based express company internationally, it was necessary to integrate the air network with the extensive road system plus co-ordinating with the customs authorities in all countries.

The success of this $700m capital project was obviously vital for the TNT Group.

The operation performed to 98% technical despatch reliability with management overheads running at only 5.5%.

As Chief Executive I maintained heavy involvement in crewing, flight management, major purchasing, industrial relations, bi-lateral arrangements, engineering, charter revenue generation, cost monitoring and control, ground handling, financial and statutory accounting, tax limitation, aircraft purchasing and leasing, relationships with Group companies and franchise airline operators and governments.

ANSETT AIR FREIGHT/ ANSETT INTERNATIONAL AIR FREIGHT/ TRANSCORP AIRWAYS (HK)

Took Ansett Airfreight turnover from $50m to $150m with staff rising only from 800 to 1200.

Yield was 80% higher than airline competitors.

Company grew to 52% of the Australian domestic air freight market.

Oversaw the launch of Ansett Air Freight in New Zealand when deregulation allowed foreign entry into this protected market.

Represented the Ansett investment in Transcorp Airways in Hong Kong. Transcorp was set up to compete with the strong Asian Carriers on freight routes to Australia carrying primary produce and manufactured goods.

Was Executive Director responsible for Ansett International Air Freight which was one of very few Freight Forwarders owned and operated by an airline.

Changed the direct business base at Ansett from 52% to 84% to reduce reliance on group companies and competitors.

Given mandate to expand Group express air freight activities to all continents in the capacity as an Executive Director.

GERMAN POST OFFICE Whilst a Director of TNT, I was seconded to the German Post Office to assist them in reorganising their overnight mail network to change the mode utilised by the incumbent, or if necessary assist in the setting up of an airline on behalf of the Post Office to carry out the task themselves.

This had been deemed necessary in order to control rising costs and bring service levels up to the best offered in Europe.

The project was successful with service levels greatly improved and costs reduced by around DM50m per annum. This liaison continued after I left TNT and joined British World Airlines.