AIR.L Regulatory News (AIR)

21 Apr 2005 11:41

Air Partner PLC21 April 2005 Air Partner PLC ("Air Partner" or "the Group") Announces Global Strategic Alliance Air Partner provides aircraft charter to Governments, Industry & Commerceworldwide. It has the distinction of being the only aviation company in theworld with a warrant to serve the British Royal Family. Air Partner, the largest aircraft charter broker in the world, announced todaythe formation of a strategic alliance with US-based Sentient Jet, the leadingprovider of private jet membership in North America. The deal creates the world's most extensive, seamless global private jet network- significantly expanding the benefits of Air Partner's current Jet MembershipProgramme. The core elements of the alliance include: • Individual and corporate customers of Air Partner and Sentient Jet will have access to the flexibility, convenience and value of a globally integrated private jet network connecting destinations throughout the world; • Air Partner members will be able to take advantage of the fixed hourly rates and guaranteed availability offered under the Sentient Jet Programme within the U.S., Mexico, and the Caribbean; • Similarly, Sentient Jet members now have access to the favourable fixed hourly rates and guaranteed availability of Air Partner's Jet Membership Programme across Europe; • The two companies will integrate key customer service functions allowing any of the combined product offerings of the two companies to be accessed through either Air Partner or Sentient Jet representatives. David Savile, chief executive of Air Partner commented: "This is a majordevelopment for jet card schemes, which until today have largely beenregionally-based. In one step, with Sentient Jet, we have extended the conceptof fixed rates and guaranteed access both across North America and indeed to aglobal level; the new global service is fully supported by superlative customerservice infrastructures on both sides of the Atlantic." Steven Hankin, chief executive officer of Sentient Jet: "Air Partner's extensivecapabilities in global private jet travel and commercial services areunparalleled. The company is held in very high regard around the world andimportantly, they share a commitment to safety and a passion for exceedingcustomers' expectations that make them a natural fit for Sentient Jet. Bycombining forces with Air Partner we now offer a better global jet network toour members and corporate clients with a broader range of aircraft solutionsthan any of our U.S.-based competitors." About Air Partner Air Partner was established in 1961 and has been listed as a public company onthe London Stock Exchange (LSE code: AIP) for 15 years. Air Partner currentlyoperates 20 local offices in 12 different countries. It provides aircraftcharter to industry, commerce and governments worldwide and is the only companyto hold a Royal Warrant for providing aircraft charter to Her Majesty the Queen.Last year, the Group attracted sales of £100 million. More information isavailable at www.airpartner.com About Sentient Jet Sentient Jet, Inc., headquartered in Norwell, MA, is the leader in private jetmembership. Members enjoy access to premium executive class aircraft with aguaranteed response time anywhere in the continental United States in ten hoursor less. Operators providing service for the Sentient Private Jet Membershipprogramme must meet both FAA safety requirements and additional Sentient safetystandards. Sentient Jet is also the owner of Atlantic Aviation Flight Services,which operates in full compliance with all FAA and Sentient safety standards andprovides some flights for Sentient Jet members. The Sentient programme is theflexible, safe, convenient and economically prudent approach to private jettravel. More information is available at www.sentient.com ENQUIRIES: Air PartnerDavid Savile, Chief Executive Tel: 01293 844 805Steph White, Finance Director Tel: 01293 844 804 TCATom Allison Tel: 0207 670 7400Amanda Palmer Tel: 0778 999 8020 Editor Note: please ensure "Air Partner" is written in its correct singularform, not in the plural. This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange