AIR.L Regulatory News (AIR)

Air Partner plc

("Air Partner" or "the Group")

Pre-close statement

Air Partner, the provider of air charter services to corporates, high net worth individuals and governments, today releases a pre-close statement before entering a close period ahead of announcing full year results on Thursday 11th October 2012.

Since the publication of the Group's Interim Management Statement on 29th May 2012, there have been no significant changes to the Group's trading or outlook. Accordingly, underlying profit before tax for the year is expected to meet the Board's expectations.

The Board is also pleased to announce that all matters relating to outstanding Federal Excise Tax ("FET") in the United States have now been resolved. The total cost, including professional fees, was well within the £1m provided in the 2011/12 Annual Accounts. This will result in a release of some of this provision back to profit in the current year, further details of which will be announced with the full year results.

The Group's cost reduction programme, announced at the time of the half year results, is also now nearly complete. This will realise significant cost savings in the next financial year, with a one off restructuring cost reported in the current year. The impact of this restructuring cost, however, will likely be more than offset by the release of the FET provision.

Both the FET provision release and the one off restructuring cost are excluded from underlying profit before tax assumptions as they are non-trading items.

Mark Briffa, CEO of Air Partner, commented: "We enter the new financial year with significant cost savings and a refreshed team - better focused on sales, growth markets and exceeding our customers' expectations. Air Partner's Private Jet division has already started to benefit from an improved sales focus - with new client numbers showing significant growth year on year. I look forward to providing a full update of the Group's results, cost reduction programme and outlook at the full year results in October."

A presentation of the results will be held on Thursday 11th October 2012 at 60 Cannon Street, London, EC4N 6NP. If you would like to attend the presentation, please contact Temple Bar Advisory on T.020 7002 1080 or email: joannac@templebaradvisory.com

Ends

31 July 2012

About Air Partner:

Air Partner is an international 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 Jet Broking, Air Partner Commercial Jet Broking and Air Partner Freight Broking. The Commercial Jet Broking division charters large airliners with 20 to 500 seats for groups of every size. The Private Jet Broking division offers ad-hoc charter and the Company's unique pre-paid JetCard scheme on aircraft with less than 20 seats. Air Partner Freight Broking charters aircraft of every size to fly any cargo anywhere, at any time. The Group, which was formed in 1961, is headquartered in the UK, with 20 international offices, and is fully listed on the London Stock Exchange. Air Partner's expertise at providing unsurpassed private flying experiences at the best price is recognised by the honour that it is the only company in the aviation industry to hold a Royal Warrant, as Supplier of Aircraft Charter to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, a globally recognised mark of excellence. www.airpartner.com