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Air Charter Service makes sure football fans didn't miss semi final July, 2010 Last week Air Charter Service made sure that four of its VIP Chinese football fans didn’t miss the crunch World Cup semi final between Spain and Germany. ACS staff made good use of their local knowledge to avoid any delays. Well publicised delays at Durban International Airport meant that hundreds of fans missed some, if not all, of the important match. The airport had underestimated quite how many supporters would be flying in for the game, and this caused a huge backlog of flights at the airport. ACS’s Hong Kong and Johannesburg offices combined to advise their clients the best course of action. The avid football supporters requested a jet to take them to Durban International Airport from Cape Town on the afternoon of the match. Air Charter Service, mindful of the potentially overrun airport, recommended a KingAir aircraft instead, and for them to fly into the much smaller Virginia Airport which, with a runway of only a little over 900 metres, only accepts turboprops. Not only did this mean that there would be no airport hold-ups, but they landed only 6 miles from the stadium – Durban’s main airport is 13 miles away. The VIPs got to the match in plenty of time to see Spain ease past Germany 1-0 to reach the final, whilst some less fortunate fans were held up by the airport delays missing most of the action. Air Charter Service is now recognised as one of the leading names in aircraft chartering, offering not only private jet charters, but also commercial airliners and cargo charters. Continued year on year growth has resulted in a turnover now exceeding $250 million, with more than 4,000 charters operated annually. With offices in Toronto, New York, London, Paris, Bilbao, Johannesburg, St Petersburg, Moscow, Dubai, Hong Kong and Tokyo they are able to provide their clients with cargo and passenger charters worldwide. |
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ACS Hong Kong has a great first quarter April, 2010 Air Charter Service’s Hong Kong office has had a record first quarter. All of ACS’s ten worldwide offices have enjoyed a successful first quarter of the year, but Hong Kong in particular has thrived. Gavin Copus, Director ACS Hong Kong, said: “The charter market here in Asia is booming at the moment. Private jet charterers in this region seem to have learnt from the U.S. and Europeans’ mistakes when it comes to JetCards and fractional ownership. They realise that ad-hoc chartering is more flexible and normally more economical, and that is what we offer. These other schemes require large up front down-payments and, aside from restricting you to one type of aircraft, are calculated so that the offerer does not lose money on the block hours. “We had a great 2009, but we’ve seen incredible growth in the first three months of this year. With sales in excess of US$ 2.6 million in what is traditionally the quiet part of the year is a great achievement, and all credit goes to my team, who have worked exceptionally hard.” In recent weeks finding solutions for our customers affected by the volcanic ash cloud in Northern Europe has been our main focus. By the time Europe woke up to the news on Thursday 15th April, we had already been working on ideas to help our customers, including flying into southern Europe as soon as possible.”
Air Charter Service enjoyed a fantastic 2009 across its ten offices having its record year. The company operated over 4,000 charters. |
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ACS Hong Kong utilises local knowledge for flight into India December, 2009 Dora Chow, account manager ACS Hong Kong, recently handled a tricky request. A client needed to get from Beijing to Pune airbase in India for an important meeting and a wedding. The client had booked with their regular aircraft operator who had come up against a number of problems flying into Pune airport – they had underestimated the difficulties in obtaining the landing permission at the military airfield, and said 24 hours before the flight was due to depart that they were in fact unable to land in Pune, but fly only as far as Mumbai. Although the distance between the two Indian cities is relatively small, the passengers were on such a tight schedule, due to another meeting in Beijing, that they needed a connecting charter flight. This is when they turned to the expertise of Air Charter Service. Dora wasted no time in contacting her colleague Kirti Odedra. Kirti, fluent in Hindi, was able to assist Dora in locating a suitable and reliable Indian operated aircraft, obtaining the landing permissions, and liaising with the ground staff at the handling agent directly to ensure everything was clear and the operation would run smoothly.
ACS has offices worldwide and amongst its staff has knowledge of almost 20 different languages, making it easier for their clients to get the best possible local service, whether it be private jet charter, commercial airliner charter, or cargo aircraft charter. |
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Charter a jet in light of recent crashes July, 2009 Air Charter Service Hong Kong is very concerned over the recent plane crashes / accidents in Iran and Mexico. With the recent developments and expansion of Chinese enterprises and institutions overseas, Chinese entrepreneurs’ travel requirements have increased in foreign countries. However, as aviation safety regulations vary from country to country, Air Charter Service Charter Executive Dora Chow encourages companies’ senior management to consider using a private jet as their transportation of choice to ensure safety whilst travelling. Air Charter Service has 9 offices worldwide, so not only can we arrange chartering out of China to any destination, but also connections to your long haul flight at Dubai, Johannesburg, New York, London, etc. Please call us on +852 2167 8853 immediately for a quotation. Or email on passenger@aircharter.com.hk |
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Air Charter Service comes to the rescue May, 2009 At around midday on May 15th, Dora Chow – Passenger Charter Executive in ACS’s Hong Kong office – received an extremely urgent phone call. In a remote forest area of China, a gentleman had suffered a critical head injury, and the doctor there gave the diagnosis that he would probably die if he did not receive proper medical attention within the next 20 hours. Unfortunately, the medical facility where he was did not have the sufficient equipment to carry out the operation, and their regular air ambulance jet was out of action for the next 48 hours. This is when ACS stepped in. Within half an hour of the original phone call, Dora had given the perfect solution – a Hawker 800. The VIP jet was able to fit an adaptable stretcher inside, ICU equipment, three doctors and, of course, the patient. They departed on their way to Hong Kong, and whilst in the air, Dora took it upon herself to inform the hospital’s A&E department of the patient’s imminent arrival. The patient was successfully treated in the nick of time. Contact our Hong Kong passenger sales team on passenger@aircharter.com.hk |
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ACS Hong Kong notices new trend in air ambulance use April, 2009
ACS Hong Kong believe that there is a marked increase in 'Medical Tourism'. Gavin Copus, CEO of ACS Asia Pacific, commented: "We are increasingly getting enquiries from people wanting to use air ambulances from China to Hong Kong for both routine or emergency medical treatment". An Air Ambulance is an aircraft used for emergency medical assistance in situations where a traditional ambulance is simply not viable. For any passenger enquiry, please contact Gavin and his team passenger@aircharter.com.hk |
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ACS London and ACS Hong Kong work side by side to find a solution March, 2009 There are several benefits of working with a well established global company like Air Charter Service. One of these is their global presence giving clients access to charter experts around the world. Dedicated account managers work together using local knowledge which ensures the most cost effective and time efficient solutions are found. Recently a European client needed to fly within Asia; this immediately throws up the problem of time zones, however not for an ACS client as their account manager in London called the Hong Kong office. Gavin Copus CEO Asia Pacific began working to find the perfect solution, using his knowledge of local operators and being able to take advantage of local prices. By linking commercial flights with a light jet, a solution was found within the client’s budget. This wouldn’t have been possible without having local knowledge at the end of the phone. Whether you need a private jet for business or a weekend away ACS will find the perfect solution for your needs. Email one of our account managers now passenger@aircharter.com.hk |
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Private jets here for the long haul February, 2009
Demand for executive jet service is taking off in Asia, the place of investment opportunities. Air Charter Service (ACS), a leading London-based international air charter broker, has tapped into the trend by setting up a Hong Kong office to enter the Asian market. ACS started as a cargo charter business in 1990, but branched into the executive aircraft business when demand for the service started picking up, especially in North America. But according to Mr Copus, Asia Pacific is the new frontier, with exceptional growth in private jet usage in the region. But the infrastructure to accommodate rising demand remains lacking in many Asian cities, although facilities in Shenzhen, Shanghai and Kuala Lumpur are now under construction, and the executive terminal in Beijing opened in time for the Olympics. "It's an interesting time to get involved," Mr Copus noted. "Previously, there was not enough business in the region for a broker. But in the last two years, with China's development, the relaxation of its air space and with its doors open to foreign investors, the demand for the executive aircraft business has been growing and will continue to grow." Steady growth HKIA figures show there has been steady annual growth of between 35 and 40 per cent in executive jet movements since 2003. Mr Copus, though, stressed that the industry is still developing in the region, with the biggest potential growth in the Chinese mainland. Since setting up in Asia, ACS has been working with others in the business to ensure business develops in a safe environment, and to encourage the further construction of infrastructure. "We're here for the long haul," he said. ACS caters to clients whose destinations, such as Laos or Cambodia, are not frequently serviced by commercial airlines; or for those who want to avoid congested airports such as in Jakarta. The company's clients range from the new Russian rich, looking for investments in the region, to finance executives from America, Europe and Hong Kong. Mr Walsh explained that ACS is a one-stop shop for customers looking for convenience. He cited an example of a Russian group that needed to get to Sanya, in the southern mainland province of Hainan, to attend a hotel opening. After flying into Hong Kong on a commercial flight from Russia, the group was whisked to a separate security and immigration clearance and was airborne in 45 minutes in their private jet. "They would still have been waiting three to four hours for a connecting flight to Sanya, but these people don't have time to wait around," Mr Copus said. Besides high net-worth individuals, the company also provides charter services for shippers and freight forwarders and delivery of heavy equipment for oil and gas exploration in the region. ACS, which also provides emergency medical evacuation services, has been involved in humanitarian aid charters, and as a result of its work in the field, was appointed official air charter provider for the British Government's Department for International Development in 2003. Easy to do business With offices in New York, Dubai, London, Johannesburg, Bilbao and Moscow, the company this year posted a US$200 million turnover. It eventually plans to open offices in other parts of the region, but the choice of Hong Kong as its regional base was no accident. While ACS ultimately aims to enter the mainland market, Mr Copus said setting up a regional office in Hong Kong, with its first-rate infrastructure, gives it the flexibility to provide a full range of services. "Setting up in Hong Kong has given us new business that we otherwise would not have had." And while Hong Kong's location, positioned about five hours away from half of the world's population, also makes it easy to do business, Mr. Copus said choosing Hong Kong also has a certain prestige. "You have more credibility if you say that you have an office in Hong Kong." Contact our Hong Kong passenger sales team on passenger@aircharter.com.hk |
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Gavin Copus touches down in Hong Kong to become CEO- Asia Pacific January, 2009 Gavin Copus formerly passenger sales director of ACS London is taking his vast experience of the aviation industry across the world to take up the position of general manager Asia Pacific for ACS’ Hong Kong Office. Starting at Interflight aviation over 15 years ago, Gavin has learned the aviation industry intimately. Learning his trade initially dealing with private jet flights out of Biggin hill airport, Gavin then went on to work for Monarch Airlines, Air partner plc and now ACS. Known for his attention to detail and passion for pulling out all the stops for clients, Gavin personally trained and monitored ACS account managers to reach the highest standards of customer service. Gavin’s knowledge of the aviation market is truly global and is respected by airlines and customers alike. We wish him all the best and by taking his knowledge and experience over to Hong Kong we know that our clients will benefit from his dedication. Contact the Hong Kong Passenger Sales Team passenger@aircharter.com.hk
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ACS Hong Kong gets the London 2012 Olympic committee home September, 2008 On Monday 25th August 2008 the 2012 Olympic committee started their journey home after the excitement of the closing ceremony of the Beijing Olympics. The party of 25 flew out of Beijing International on a Bombardier CRJ 200 regional jet bound for Shanghai Pudong International to pick up their scheduled services.
However after take off the weather deteriorated and visibility was so poor they were unable to land at Pudong Airport and had to divert to Hong Qiao. As soon as the weather permitted and it was safe to do so the aircraft left Hong Qaio for its original destination as this was the fastest solution for getting the passengers to Shanghai Pudong to pick up their scheduled services back to London.
Air Charter Service Hong Kong had been in contact with ground staff and senior management at both commercial airlines which enabled them to be in constant contact throughout the operation. Due to the good relationship they had with both these suppliers ACS was able to persuade them to hold the aircraft for the passenger’s imminent arrival.
ACS got the passengers to their flight so they could get back to London as scheduled. It was only the flexibility that private chartering offers and our account manager’s excellent relationship building abilities that made this possible. If the passengers had flown scheduled service from Beijing to Shanghai they wouldn’t have been able to divert and continue to their correct destination once the weather had improved. Contact an account manager: enquiries@aircharter.com.hk |
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Typhoon Nuri Causes Passenger Backlog August, 2008 A Typhoon that hit Hong Kong led to many flights being cancelled out of Hong Kong. This meant that ACS Hong Kong’s Yan Fang was unable to fly her passengers out of Hong Kong to Kuala Lumpur as planned. Once the airport was back in operation the aircraft they were meeting there could still not reposition due to no slots being available for that day. The aircraft was in Macau, ACS organised a helicopter despite the unpredictable weather within 45 minutes to take the group over to Macau and the awaiting aircraft. The aircraft was a brand new Hawker 900 XP which is a medium sized business jet. On landing in Kuala Lumpur they were met by ACS’ complimentary limousine service, which then took them to their hotel also arranged by the ACS Hong Kong team. The client arrived back in Hong Kong a few days later and despite the complications due to the weather, was extremely pleased with the personalised and professional service they had received. Yan Fang was able to ensure that her clients were able to get to their destination with the minimum amount of disruption to their journey. This is another example of ACS Hong Kong team going the extra mile to get the job done. Contact an account manager: enquiries@aircharter.com.hk |
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Personal Service Hong Kong Style July, 2008 Yan from ACS Hong Kong had a last minute request for a trip from Hong Kong- London- Paris- Hong Kong. Due to time constraints there was not an aircraft available that could fly direct. A Gulfstream IV was sourced, which had to make a fuel stop in Dubai on the outbound trip and a fuel stop in Abu Dhabi on the inbound trip. The day before the first leg of the trip Yan and the operator worked until midnight to ensure all of the permits were in place. On the day of the Hong Kong to London flight Yan met the passengers at The Hong Kong Business Aviation Centre to give them all of the last minute details of their flights. They arrived in Dubai and were met by Maya from ACS Dubai who had a private limo to take them to and from the hotel to ensure they were on time to continue their flight to London after the aircraft had been refuelled. The passengers arrived in London where they had a couple of days before they flew to Paris for shopping. They flew from Paris back to Hong Kong with a fuel stop in Abu Dhabi. The passengers decided they would like to make the most of the fuel stop and requested a Chinese speaking guide to show them the sights of Abu Dhabi. Yan arranged for a Chinese speaking guide to meet her passengers at the hotel. After touring the city they decided they would like a Chinese meal and their guide found the perfect place. They decided to stay in Abu Dhabi for one more night and Yan arranged to postpone their departure until the following day. Every aspect of the client’s trip was tailor made and being available 24/7 ensured that any changes the client wished to make were possible. Contact one of our passenger sales team: enquiries@aircharter.com.hk |
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