The FBO will supply a maximum blend of up to 35% SAF with Jet A1 fuel, certified to meet the highest standards. The SAF provided is derived from used cooking oil, a renewable feedstock which is refined through the Hydrotreated Esters and Fatty Acids (HEFA) process.

“As the industry aligns with global environmental goals and the Business Aviation Commitment on Climate Change, sustainability stands as a cornerstone of Luxaviation Group, paving the way for a more sustainable future in aviation. We strive to set new standards and inspire others to join us in embracing innovation to enhance corporate social responsibility,” said Patrick Hansen, CEO, Luxaviation Group.

The announcement follows the FBO’s recent transition to fully electric ground handling equipment (GHE) in an effort towards sustainable aviation.

The FBO is managed under the ExecuJet brand.

In terms of carbon savings, the FBO operator said that flying from ExecuJet Paris Le Bourget FBO to ExecuJet Johannesburg FBO on a Global 7500 utilising a 35% blend of SAF/Jet A1fuel, customers can reduce their CO2 emissions by approximately 20 tons.

Luxaviation Group already offers its customers the ability to use SAF on flights to cut their flight’s carbon emissions via the Luxaviation App.

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The operator, based at Lanseria International Airport, Johannesburg, South Africa,  said the promotions are part of its plans to expand the company’s international business operations.

According to CFS, Searle has been an “instrumental force” within the company having previously served as client services director. In her new role, Searle will oversee the CFS’s daily operations.

“It is an immense honour to assume the role of MD at CFS,” said Searle. “I am excited to lead our exceptional team and continue driving our business forward while maintaining our unwavering commitment to creating the ultimate aviation experience for all stakeholders.”

Reeves is also the co-founder and former CEO of CFS. His promotion to group CEO will see the executive lead operations of multiple companies within the group, as well as the company’s expansion beyond South Africa.

“I am delighted to take on the role of group CEO at CFS,” said Reeves. “Our focus will be on expanding our footprint internationally, forging strategic partnerships, and leveraging our expertise to create new avenues of growth and success in the business aviation industry.”

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Founded in 2001 by CEO Neil Howard, the dealership has South African facilities in Lanseria, near Johannesburg and in Cape Town. It also has a base in Maun in Botswana, Lomé in Togo and an international office in Zurich, Switzerland.

“Absolute Aviation is very excited about becoming part of IADA’s expanding international network of aircraft resale dealers,” said Howard. “Our core values are to create lasting experiences, always do the right thing, be thorough and diligent and therefore the values that IADA stands for resonate strongly with us.”

In addition to aircraft resales, Absolute Aviation also handles new aircraft sales, offers flight services, distributes aircraft parts and engines and operates service centres. It is also an authorised dealer for Beechcraft, Cessna and Leonardo aircraft and a sales representative for pre-owned Textron Aviation aircraft.

“IADA is delighted to add Neil Howard and the strong group of professionals at Absolute Aviation to our global network of accredited aircraft dealers that operates throughout the world,” said Wayne Starling, executive director, IADA. “This development further advances IADA’s global reach and effectiveness.”

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Jonas Janukenas, CEO, Avia Solutions Group said that moving the company’s headquarters to Ireland was driven by its plans for further expansion. Its corporate aviation firm KlasJet operates a fleet of 14 Bombardier and Boeing business jets, making around 1,200 charter flights a year. The firm recently purchased a newly refurbished Boeing 737-300 aircraft for the UK charter market.

“Ireland is known as the hub of aviation,” said Janukenas. “A large number of aviation companies are located here, hence, being closer to the aviation community we will be able to implement the group’s development plans faster and maintain market leadership.”

According to the CEO, investors from the US and Europe purchasing company shares on the Dublin Stock Exchange was another reason behind the relocation to Ireland.

The group also has offices in the US, Lithuania, United Arab Emirates, South Africa and Australia.

Avia Solutions Group is an aircraft leasing, maintenance and insurance services company with a fleet of around 165 aircraft. The group also provides pilot and crew training and ground handling.

Companies owned by the group also include air charter specialists Chapman Freeborn, FBO and MRO Biggin Hill Hangar Company.

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The new addition to the Luxaviation Group subsidiary firm can carry up to 13 passengers and offers a range of 4,800 nautical miles. ExecuJet said fleet expansion will be a key area of focus alongside safety.

The South African division of the company also announced that it has received an upgraded safety award from aviation safety specialists South Africa’s Litson and Associates (L&A). ExecuJet South Africa was awarded the Gold level safety recognition, an upgrade from the Silver award it received in 2021.

Gavin Kiggen, vice president, Africa, Luxaviation said the new aircraft and safety recognition will be “highly attractive” to charter customers across Africa. “This new Gold award recognises our high aviation safety standards over a number of years and reflects the results of L&A reviews,” he said. “From flight and ground operations to maintenance and training, safety is now, and will always be, our top priority.”

Last week, ExecuJet’s Flight Services reopened the FBO at St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands under new management, following years of closures due to hurricanes and Covid-19.

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ALSO READ: ExecuJet Zurich FBO gains IS-BAH certificate

IS-BAH is a global code of best practices for business aviation ground handlers that follows the long established structure of the International Standard for Business Aircraft Operators (IS-BAO) programme, used by operator clients. The IS-BAH quality standard is the most comprehensive assessment of handling services available.

“We are delighted our Lanseria FBO has successfully passed the audit, especially as we are the first company in Africa to be IS-BAH accredited.”

Arvin Durgapersad, ExecuJet’s Lanseria FBO manager said: “We are delighted our Lanseria FBO has successfully passed the audit, especially as we are the first company in Africa to be IS-BAH accredited. The IS-BAH programme is an enhanced approach to mitigating risk and promoting safety, so naturally ExecuJet plans to implement it across all its FBOs worldwide. We believe this is a clear demonstration of our commitment to safety excellence.”

IS-BAH is a joint programme between the International Business Aviation Council (IBAC) and the National Air Transportation Association (NATA).

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Fireblade Aviation is owned by the Oppenheimer family, one of the richest families in South Africa.

The 165 million rand (US$15 million) facility opened on September 1, and saw its first usage the very next day.

Currently the FBO is licensed to serve domestic flights, however the company is seeking full authorisation for the dedicated Customs and Immigration Service by the end of the year.

Building the facility has been a long time dream of Nicky and Jonathan Oppenheimer, who wanted to create a world class FBO at Johannesburg’s International Airport.

“At the heart of this project is immense passion for aviation,” says Fireblade Aviation’s Jonathan Oppenheimer, “We believe we have created a leading global product and brand in Fireblade Aviation that is synonymous with the highest quality of service and attention to detail. Our employees, who are stakeholders in the business, are just as passionate about our product which will ensure visitors to the facility receive world class service.”

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“The performance, versatility and low operating costs of our line of Beechcraft King Air turboprops make them a popular choice for business and special mission requirements in Africa,” said Sean McGeough, HBC president, Europe, Middle East, Africa and Asia Pacific. “Recent industry data shows that 64 percent – 243 aircraft – of all business turboprop aircraft registered into Africa are King Air models. Eighty-nine of the business jets registered in Africa are Hawker Beechcraft products, giving HBC an industry-leading 38 percent market share among the African business aircraft in which it competes.”

Photograph: Two Beech Bonanzas at the recent Hawker Beechcraft celebration fly-in at Hawarden, North Wales

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“ExecuJet is proud to partake in this event once again,” said Ettore Poggi, managing director of ExecuJet Africa. “We see this event as an opportunity to profile our full range of aviation services and to promote safe and efficient aircraft operations meeting world class standards. We make a significant investment in this event to ensure that our clients and potential clients benefit from a forum where they can meet all members of our team.”

ExecuJet Africa will be promoting a new aircraft, that has recently joined the company’s charter fleet: a fully refurbished Falcon 900EX.

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There are more than 650 Eurocopter aircraft in service in Africa – some 31 percent of the continent’s total helicopter fleet – performing a wide variety of missions every day, including national security and border patrol duties, rescue missions, and corporate and offshore transportation.

“Through its significant presence in support of African countries and its commitment to providing them with support they can rely on, Eurocopter intends to remain a preferred supplier of helicopters for civil, parapublic and military applications,” said Olivier Lambert, Eurocopter’s senior vice president for sales and customer relations. “Designed and equipped with state-ofthe- art technology, our helicopters are capable of accomplishing missions in the toughest operating conditions and in the most demanding of situations.”

Thanks to its subsidiary Eurocopter Southern Africa, the Group guarantees technical support for the 250 aircraft currently in service in the southern part of the continent.

“Our investments underscore the determination and desire of Eurocopter Southern Africa to supply its customers with first-class services and to consolidate our long-term commitment to the region,” said Fabrice Cagnat, chief executive of Eurocopter Southern Africa.

Photograph: Eurocopter EC145 in the static display at AAD 2012

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