International Air Charter signs agreement with Iraqi government officials (28/10/04)

International Air Charter plc, one of the world's largest independent aircraft charter brokers, has reported that it is witnessing an increasing demand among sensitive areas and difficult-to-reach areas, where scheduled airlines have limited or no access.

International Air Charter is currently working with government officials in sensitive areas in Iraq. The company has also signed an agreement with a Dubai-based emergency service provider catering to the oil and petroleum industry, to provide evacuation services in cases of crises.

Air Charter working with officials in Iraq

Commenting on this aspect of the business, Elie Abdo, director of business development, International Air Charter plc stated: "Air charter services fulfill a very real and immediate need, that of an emergency service provider available at any time.

There is a dearth of such services in the Middle East as compared to the western world. Crisis situations can occur anywhere in the world and at any time, be it medical emergencies, political turmoil or natural disasters. In such cases, charter air services can provide an immediate and reliable solution."

"Moreover, as independent brokers with the ability to source aircraft from anywhere in the world at short notice, International Air Charter is in a better position to cater to this need as compared to an operator with a limited fleet. In an emergency situation, a few seconds can make the difference between life and death. The slightest delay or non-availability of aircraft cannot be tolerated. We are able to offer clients extremely cost-effective and quick solutions by sourcing an aircraft closest to their location, from our large database of operators. This helps clients save time as well as the additional expense incurred by the positioning of an empty aircraft," added Abdo.

"Even our corporate clients have realised that it makes better business to choose an air charter broker over an operator. During the recent summer months, we received several queries from our Dubai-based clients who wanted to travel from the UK to other destinations in Europe. In such cases, instead of summoning an aircraft from Dubai and charging the client for the empty journey from Dubai and back, we were able to source the aircraft directly from a European operator," he concluded.

International Air Charter is also working with several television channels in the Middle East whose correspondents cover stories in sensitive areas.

Source: Zawya