Saker gets off to a flying start

Saker Aviation Services, which operates in the aviation services segment and serves as the operator of a heliport, an FBO and acts as a consultant for a seaplane base, has announced its financial results for the three months ended March 31, 2016.

Revenues and operating income for the three months totaled US$2,967,080 and US$373,078 respectively; these figures are up by 19.3% and 341.5%, compared to figures taken for the same period last year. A 17.6% upturn in total fuel gallons offset lower average fuel costs, which led to lower average fuel prices charged: this had the effect of driving fuel sales revenue up 9.9%. A corresponding increase in services and supply items contributed to the 19.3% rise in total revenues.

Commenting on the results, company President Ron Ricciardi said that it was an excellent beginning to the year, with double-digit increases in revenue and triple-digit improvement to operating income.

AERO Specialties awarded for excellence by US Department of Commerce

During a ceremony in Washington yesterday, AERO Specialties became one of 123 companies and organizations across the US to earn the President’s “E” Award for exporting excellence.

Brad Streeter, General Manager for the company, commented on the achievement.
“It is gratifying to have this award bestowed on us, as we have worked hard to build a global market for our aviation ground support equipment.
“Thanks to the US Commercial Service, AERO Specialties has developed mutually beneficial relationships with many international organizations that have contributed to our success.”

The US Secretary of Commerce, Penny Pritzker, praised the recipients for their efforts and achievement, saying:”The recipients being honored today demonstrate the opportunity inherent in selling Made-in-America products to the broad customer base that exists outside our borders.Their success contributes to growth, job creation, competitiveness, and the success of the American economy,” she concluded.

Dnata looks to North America

Handler dnata has just acquired a 100% stake in Ground Services International, a US ground handling provider. Dnata’s plan is to use this acquisition as a launch pad for further activity within the North American market.

Ground Services International is currently present in 14 cities around the US and provides both cargo and ground handling services. The acquisition comes in the wake of other deals that have seen the handler buy stakes in companies in Brazil, Australia, Holland and Italy.

Jet Aviation FBO at Van Nuys

Jet Aviation has been awarded a 30 year lease for a 17 acre site by the City of Los Angeles to establish an FBO facility at Van Nuys airport.

This comes in the wake of Jet Aviation winning a competitive tender process last year and being selected by Los Angeles World Airports to operate the FBO facility. Jet Aviation will offer FBO services in an interim terminal once operational control has been granted by Los Angeles World Airports, which is expected within the next few months. Jet Aviation has also initiated planning for its long-term Van Nuys airport FBO. The company is to build a 10,000 square foot LEED Silver certified terminal as well as two 40,000 square foot hangars and associated back shop and office space, all of which is due to be completed by the end of 2018. The full service FBO will offer domestic and international handling, complete line service and executive conference rooms, along with a crew lounge, a flight planning room and a business center.

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Airport Butler now at San Francisco

Airport Butler, the meet-and-greet concierge service, has just opened up operation at San Francisco International. This is an historic occasion since San Francisco becomes the first US airport to officially offer a concierge amenity in its service portfolio.

Airport Butler, which first launched in 2012 in Vancouver, British Columbia, is a cutting-edge business model in the North American travel market. A personalized and unique customer service concept is deemed ideal for infrequent travelers or non-English speaking travelers, as well as VIPs, business travelers, senior citizens, travel groups or any passenger who wants a customized experience traveling through the airport. To that end, Airport Butler simplifies the airport navigation process and provides professional and seamless service to clients.

“As Airport Butler sought to expand its unique service offering in the US specifically, San Francisco was a key airport for our future network as it is very innovative in terms of airport service offerings, a primary gateway for Asia Pacific travelers and city full of people seeking new experiences in traveling,” commented Airport Butler/ATS President and CEO, Sally Leible.

Airport Butler services are available for all arriving, departing and connecting passengers, regardless of airline or class of service.

Malabar signs agreement with Aero Express

Malabar International has announced that it has signed an agreement with Aero Express to be its exclusive US representative for distributing business jet maintenance equipment. Aero Express will be providing Malabar jacks and other maintenance equipment for Gulfstream, Bombardier Global Express and Challenger series, Embraer Legacy and Dassault Falcon business jet aircraft.

John E Carroll Jr, Malabar’s Chairman and CEO, commented on the agreement. “With our reputation as a supplier of top quality jacks and other maintenance equipment to the commercial, military and business jet markets, adding Aero Express with its experience and capabilities will help us expand in the business jet market within the United States.”