Air Partner - World's leading corporate aircraft charter company

Date 18.10.2010

Air Partner plc is a leading provider of aviation services to industry, commerce, governments and private individuals worldwide.

Air Partner has won the prestigious contract to be the sole provider of all passenger and freight air charter services for the UK Government’s Department for International Development (DFID) for the next four years. DFID is responsible for almost all humanitarian airlifts on behalf of the UK and for addressing the UK’s global relief efforts.

Effective immediately, the contract was won following a six month competitive tendering process.

Mark Briffa, Air Partner’s Chief Executive, said: “We fought long and hard to win this coveted contract and are extremely excited to have emerged victorious in the face of stiff competition. This positive result reflects the high levels of expertise and service we provide.” 

Air Partner is now the sole provider of logistical support to DFID’s global aid assignments. In times of crisis, its responsibilities will include organising emergency flights for any civilian deployments of response teams and the evacuation of British nationals.

The Company’s dedicated team will utilise Air Partner’s 50 years of experience, strong supplier relationships and global network to source the most suitable aircraft for any given task, at the best price, ensuring a seamless high quality and cost-effective operation.

Air Partner is a valued supplier to many national and international organisations and has flown governments worldwide, including 6 of the G8, as well as international and UK Royalty. It is the only company in the aviation industry to hold a Royal Warrant from Her Majesty the Queen as the Supplier of Aircraft Charter.

Commenting further, Mark Briffa said, “This is an extremely important contract win for Air Partner – and one we have tendered for in the past and not won – so I am delighted DFID has chosen us to be its provider of air charter services for the next four years. This win is a huge credit to our freight team’s experience and high levels of service.

Air Partner’s excellent relationships with suppliers worldwide and its global network of in-house aviation experts have enabled us to increase our market share within the freight sector. The Air Partner team takes the responsibility given to them by DFID very seriously and I have no doubt we will provide excellent support to its operations.”

Graham Davey, Government and Military Business Manager at Air Partner, said:

“The Air Partner freight and commercial aircraft passenger teams have a great deal of experience working on a range of complicated international operations. We have formed a dedicated team of highly qualified staff to directly support DFID’s operations and to ensure success of their global objectives.”