Independent airline Astraeus has switched from scheduled and charter services to a 100% aircraft provision and leasing business.
The majority of its fleet of Boeing 737 and 757 aircraft has now been almost completely committed through to the end of 2010, with additional equipment under final negotiation to address planned and developing opportunities.
“While the majority of the fleet is contracted out, we are ensuring we maintain a degree of flexibility by retaining ad-hoc aircraft – which meant we were able to assist in rescuing travellers in the wake of the XL collapse, for instance – and enabling us to provide short-notice cover if operators have an urgent requirement,†said chief executive Mario Fulgoni.
“We have successful re-defined Astraeus as being focused on airline operations and development support, and while we are currently providing dry, damp or wet-lease aircraft to a number of established carriers, we are also in negotiation with a number of potential start-ups.â€
He said the company has been approached by air travel and aviation-based businesses and advisers to provide consultancy and viability studies for brand new businesses under consideration by seasoned air industry professionals, and existing operators looking to modify their current operations.
“These opportunities and arrangements are on a worldwide footing, and it is becoming clear that we are in a position in which we are equally capable of supporting short-haul low-cost or full service long-haul operations.
“The airlines with whom we work – and have worked with for many years – recognise that we are able to provide a strategic cost-saving, but that we also treat their resources, fuel and so on, as if they were our own.â€
By Bev Fearis
