What is ExecuJet’s secret to success?
Our motto of ‘never break a promise’ means we deliver a quality service and ensure customer satisfaction. If there is ever an error, we go above and beyond to correct it. Our success is also attributed to our staff who are focused on achieving our goals.
How has your company survived in recessionary times?
We have had to take a closer look at expenditure and tighten our belt. Through this strategy, we have managed to prevent any retrenchments, and have focused on elements that will continue to grow our business. These include: increased client contact with follow ups and other communication to bring us closer to our clients. This has worked well
What drove the decision for new facilities at Cape Town International Airport?
Since opening its doors in 2004 at Cape Town International Airport, ExecuJet has been actively developing its operations in the Western Cape. The need for a bigger facility soon became apparent as the company’s operations grew from strength to strength. The provision of these services will be an extension of the services already provided by ExecuJet South Africa at Lanseria International Airport, Johannesburg, and other ExecuJet facilities in Dubai, Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Kuala Lumpur, Zurich, Berlin, London City and Monterrey.
What do your new facilities at Cape Town International Airport include?
The purpose built R250-million state-ofthe- art fixed base operations (FBO) facility is strategically located parallel to the main runway and boasts 5 000m² of hangar space and 7 000m² of dedicated ramp parking. This includes exclusive access to the taxiway and runway of Cape Town International. ExecuJet has taken occupation of the entire ground level of the new FBO facility, offering VIP lounges, secretarial services, undercover parking facilities, concierge services, helicopter transfers and a fully equipped boardroom. ExecuJet South Africa also extended its AMO to this Cape facility in order to provide maintenance services to both local and foreign aircraft owners. ExecuJet South Africa holds the European (EASA) maintenance approval, whichmeans that they can perform maintenance on European registered aircraft under the approval of the European Aviation Authorities.
How will this facility achieve success in 2010 and beyond?
Since taking occupation of the new hangar at Cape Town International Airport, ExecuJet’s charter fleet offering has grown to 12 resident business aircraft. The fleet ranges from turboprop aircraft, suited to land on unpaved runways, to intercontinental business jets such as the Bombardier Global Express. With the 2010 FIFA World Cup being hosted in South Africa, the opening of the new facility is well timed to deliver the expected level of service to the anticipated influx of business aircraft. The Soccer World Cup will also generate interest from potential investors and tourism which will maintain momentum long after the final game has been played. Furthermore, post 2010 the Western Cape holds a wealth of development potential and foreign investment. Foreign investment will also be boosted if government listens to those who are lobbying for tax-free zones to be created within the Western Cape to draw foreign investment to the province.
What is your five-year plan for ExecuJet South Africa?
We have an opportunity in West Africa and Angola that we are pursuing. We are in a fairly advanced stage with a memorandum of understanding, and will continue with the vision of further expansion into Africa. We also recently opened an FBO in Kuala Lumpur and are looking at the possibility of establishing facilities in India and China.
What successes have you achieved recently?
ExecuJet’s Lanseria FBO was recently voted 13th in the Top 40 International FBOs, with their FBO in Zurich voted as number four. The new FBO in Cape Town will rate among the very best in the world and both domestic and international operators will benefit from a full suite of ground handling services that the purpose built facility has to offer.
What is the outline of your packages for 2010?
ExecuJet South Africa, with a fleet of over 40 aircraft including turboprops and jets, is offering charter flights to all the World Cup host cities. These flights will be facilitated through the two ideally located facilities at Lanseria International Airport, Johannesburg, and Cape Town International Airport. During the games both facilities will be able to provide the additional packages allowing clients to maximise their South African experience and enjoy every minute of the country’s wonderful attractions. The ExecuJet Concierge Services will be an additional service in place during the World Cup that will assist with all aspects of an itinerary including chauffeur services, safari tours, conference planning and meeting rooms, au pair services and florist and gifting services, to name a few.
Do you think South African transport facilities will cope with 2010?
There is no doubt that 2010 will be a huge boost to the South African economy. There have been concerns around our transport infrastructure being able to handle the onslaught of fans, especially in terms of whether there will be enough slots at airports for incoming aircraft; I think everyone will be pleasantly surprised.