Aviation News Item: 03199

17th Dec 2009

Source: evaint.com

The full-service aviation company intends to increase its fixed-base operations from three to 12 within the next 12 months. The Ocean Sky group now includes aircraft brokerage, charter, management, sales, maintenance and FBO divisions. It has three existing jet centres, all in the United Kingdom: Glasgow Prestwick, Manchester and, since April 2009, Luton.

"We are in advanced discussions to open new facilities in France, Spain, Italy and Ireland," said Grimes, who was previously CEO of Ocean Sky Jet Centre Limited before taking over as chief executive of Ocean Sky group last month.

"Our plan is to have a chain of FBOs reaching from Ireland as far as Italy, eventually reaching out to the Middle East."

Grimes said the accelerated growth rate planned for 2010 was partly due to the economic downturn offering acquisition opportunities, but also to clear demand from clients. The group recently acquired the German aviation company Triple Alpha.

A number of key appointments have been made by Grimes to strengthen the management of Ocean Sky. Andrew Hughes, formerly of International Jetclub, has joined as Managing Director of the Ocean Sky Aircraft Management division. Natalie Raper, formerly business development director at Luton Airport and Director of Marketing for Ocean Sky Jet Centre, becomes Director of Marketing for the Ocean Sky Group. "These are important appointments which will help us to take Ocean Sky forward," said Grimes.

Grimes said that trading prospects were strong for the company. "We have managed our resources during this very difficult recession and are not burdened by debt. There are significant acquisition opportunities for us and we intend to explore these over the coming months."

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