AIR.L Regulatory News (AIR)

Air Partner Freight responds to demand post volcanic ash cloud

Air Partner Freight has seen an increase in business enquiries as a result of the closure of European airspace caused by the Iceland volcanic ash cloud.

The freight division, which typically accounts for less than 10% of group revenues, is currently investing for future growth as it seeks to increase its market share. As part of this initiative Air Partner Freight recently expanded its network of offices, partners and general sales agents to improve its service offering. Based on recent client enquiries and feedback at this busy time, the enhanced offering is proving a success.

The disruption to scheduled cargo flights has led to a backlog of urgent goods in Europe, the US and the Far East, causing the freight division's 'volcanic crisis team' to work 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

Commenting on the work performed as a result of the widespread closure of European airspace, Richard Smith, Group Freight Director said, "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 winning business and delivering. 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 enquiries as a result of the closure of European airspace, with passenger charter flights operating between worldwide destinations. Elsewhere within Air Partner, the new Fuel division saw its diversionary contracts with national airlines activated and organised fuel supplies at non-network airports.

23rd April 2010

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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