AIR.L Regulatory News (AIR)

25 August 2016

Air Partner plc

PRE-CLOSE TRADING STATEMENT

Air Partner plc ('Air Partner' or 'Group'), the global aviation services group, is today releasing its Trading Statement ahead of entering its close period on 30 August 2016.

Trading in the first six months of the year has been strong. As a result, underlying pre-tax profit for the first half of the financial year ending 31 January 2017 is expected to be not less than £3.0m, which compares to £2.2m reported in the same period last year, with a strong net cash position.

Our Broking division, comprising Air Partner in Charter Broking and Cabot Aviation in Remarketing, has seen a strong like-for-like performance during the first half. Our Training & Consultancy division, Baines Simmons, has started the year well winning a number of new commercial and government contracts.

In line with our stated growth strategy, we continue to assess opportunities for investment, both organic and through acquisitions, which will enhance or extend the services and capabilities we can provide to our clients across the world.

Outlook

The Board remains optimistic about the Group's prospects for the remainder of the year. 

The Group expects to release its Interim Results on 29 September 2016.

Ends

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About Air Partner:

Founded in 1961, Air Partner is a global aviation services group that provides worldwide solutions to industry, commerce, governments and private individuals. The Group has two divisions‎: (a) Broking division, comprising air charter broking and remarketing through the Air Partner and Cabot brands respectively; and (b) Training & Consulting division, via the aviation safety consultancy Baines Simmons. For reporting purposes, the Group is structured into four divisions: Commercial Jets, Private Jets, Freight (Broking) and Baines Simmons (Training & Consultancy). The Commercial Jet division charters large airliners to move groups of any size. Cabot Aviation, which is formed within the Commercial Jet division, provides comprehensive remarketing programmes for all types of commercial and corporate aircraft to a wide range of international clients. Private Jets offers the company's unique pre-paid JetCard scheme and on-demand charter. Air Partner Freight charters aircraft of every size to fly almost any cargo anywhere, at any time. Baines Simmons is a world leader in Aviation Safety Consulting which specialises in aviation regulation, compliance and safety management. Air Partner is headquartered alongside Gatwick airport in the UK. Air Partner operates 24/7 year-round and has 20 offices globally. Air Partner is listed on the London Stock Exchange (AIR) and is also ISO 9001:2008 compliant for commercial airline and private jet solutions worldwide.  www.airpartner.com