PremiAir, a UK-based provider of executive helicopter charter and management services, is to become the first European Member Operator of Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation-owned AAG Global, the helicopter industry’s newly established worldwide network of international executive helicopter operators. A Memorandum of Understanding was signed last week at the HeliExpo show in Anaheim, California by David McRobert (Group Managing Director of PremiAir) and Tom McQuade (AAG Global Executive Vice President). This will see PremiAir providing services to AAG Global network customers from May 1, 2009.
PremiAir's endorsement as an AAG Global Member Operator is a strong testimony to the high service standards it delivers as the largest Sikorsky S76 operator in the UK. AAG Global operators are a carefully selected group of executive helicopter companies providing pre-eminent service and reliability for international travellers – services mirroring that of AAG members in the USA. Members are required to adhere to the AAG Global Standards of Excellence developed with and audited by Aviation Research Group/US (ARG/US), addressing all aspects of both safety and service. These standards include interior cabin presentation; ease of flight reservations and punctuality as well as, importantly, pilot qualifications and regular safety inspections.
"We are delighted to be selected as the first European Member Operator of AAG Global and proud to be associated with the reputable AAG brand that is synonymous with providing high quality executive helicopter services in the US," says McRobert. "This is an important strategic partnership for PremiAir, and we look forward to building an excellent long term relationship with AAG. It is also great news for our customers who now have direct access to a growing first-class network of executive helicopter transportation, no matter where in the world their business takes them."
Established more than 25 years ago, PremiAir operates the UK's largest fleet of twin-engine executive helicopters which includes five Sikorsky 76 VIP aircraft – making it the largest operator of Sikorsky 76 executive helicopters in Europe. In addition, PremiAir manages several other executive helicopters for third party corporate or individual owners, providing a complete turnkey service including crew provision, training, maintenance, and full operational support.
"We're looking forward to welcoming PremiAir to AAG Global," says Tom McQuade. "PremiAir is a long established and successful business aviation services company built on the core principals of customer service, high quality, value, and trust."
AAG Global is a brand of Sikorsky Fractional Sales Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation. Associated Aircraft Group is an AAG Global Member Operator and an executive helicopter charter, fractional sales and aircraft management company in New York.
