ExecuJet gains airforce VIP business
Date: 27 April 2011
By Dean Wingrin
Specialist aviation company ExecuJet Aviation Group has won a South African Air Force tender to provide two new VIP aircraft for ministerial use.
The Unofficial SAAF Website reported on 24 April (Airforce changes VIP jet order) that the recently announced lease for two Embraer Linaege 1000 jets for Government VIP transport had been cancelled and that the tender has been given to another bidder.
The five year, US$120 million lease for the two Embraer aircraft had been signed with AdoAir; a small aviation company based at Lanseria Airport and owned by Nigerian businessman Adegboyega Olulade. However, sources indicate that AdoAir could not come up with the finances to purchase the Embraer aircraft from the Brazilian manufacturer, despite a requirement in the tender bid to show proof of finance.
The aircraft proposed by ExecuJet involves another Boeing Business Jet similar to the current Presidential jet ("South Africa One") and a slightly smaller Bombardier Global Express XRS.
The new lease is also for five years and is believed to be for a similar price to that of the AdoAir bid. A source has indicated that Rand Merchant Bank is providing the finance.
ExecuJet South Africa, affiliated to the Switzerland-based charter and aircraft services company ExecuJet Aviation Group, is also based at Lanseria Airport and has a charter fleet of over 50 aircraft ranging from turbo props to intercontinental jets.
Delivery of the BBJ and Global Express XRS is expected by 1st July 2011.
