Air Partner Freight responds to demand post volcanic ash cloud
Friday 23rd April, 2010
Air Partner Freight’s expanding network of offices, partners and general sales agents have received an increase in business enquiries as a result of the widespread six-day closure of European airspace caused by the Iceland volcanic ash cloud.
Urgent goods backlogged in Europe, the US and the Far East because of scheduled cargo flight disruption has seen the freight division’s ‘volcanic crisis team’ responding 24 hours-a-day to provide ‘go now’ freight charters. Charters include:
- Consumer goods, electronics and garments between Seoul and North America
- 'Catch-up' flights between Hong Kong and Vienna
- Vital automobile spares between Italy and Turkey to keep car production lines moving
- Flights between Shanghai and Hanover
Two Boeing 747F flights will operate this weekend between Hong Kong and Los Angeles on behalf of a major forwarder
Richard Smith, Group Freight Director, commented: “Our growing network of general sales agents and partners in Japan, Hong Kong and China has risen to the challenge and performed for our clients at a turbulent time. I am delighted that our new emerging market ventures are delivering for clients. Much of the success can be put down to the co-operation between Air Partner’s 20 international offices and the sharing of real time aircraft availability information.”
Air Partner’s Commercial Jets and Private Jets divisions also responded to a higher level of enquiries as a result of the closure of European airspace, with passenger charter flights operated between worldwide destinations.
Elsewhere within Air Partner, the Fuel division saw its diversionary contracts with national airlines activated and organised fuel supplies at non-network airports. The fuel division continues to assist other aircraft operators with unplanned fuel needs.
Air Partner Freight typically accounts for less than 10% of Group revenues.
About Air Partner
Air Partner is a world-class provider of aviation services to industry, commerce, governments and individuals worldwide. The company has earned global recognition as a leading aircraft charter broker and organises ad hoc charters of aircraft of every size for any reason. Its three main divisions, supported by a host of support teams, comprise Air Partner Private Jets, Air Partner Commercial Jets and Air Partner Freight. Air Partner Private Jets offers ad-hoc charter and the company’s unique pre-paid JetCard scheme. The Commercial Jets division charters large airliners with 20 to 500 seats for groups of every size. With its headquarters in the UK, Air Partner operates 24/7 year-round with 20 offices spanning Europe, Asia, the Middle East and North America. The Group was formed nearly 50 years ago, is fully listed on the London Stock Exchange, is debt free and had £14.7m in cash at the end of the half year to 31 January. Air Partner’s expertise at providing unsurpassed private flying experiences at the best price is summed up by one fact: it is the only company in the aviation industry to hold a Royal Warrant, a globally recognised mark of excellence. The honour, as Supplier of Aircraft Charter to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, was granted in 2004. www.airpartner.com