Air Partner’s aviation safety consultancy company Baines Simmons has been awarded a contract to provide aviation safety consultancy services to the Royal Air Force of Oman (RAFO). The objective of the programme is to improve and safeguard the airworthiness of all RAFO aircraft for years to come.
The contract supports the development of a new Continuing Airworthiness ruleset for the RAFO. The RAFO previously used a military regulatory system based on UK legacy requirements, but this will be updated to ensure that the RAFO operates in line with international modern military airworthiness standards. The programme is particularly pertinent following the arrival of new fleets of Typhoon and Hawk 200 aircraft in Oman.
The Baines Simmons consultancy and training programme is based on the newly completed European Military Airworthiness Requirements (EMARs), as well as their source European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) regulations. The Baines Simmons team comprises civil and military experience, including exUK CAA and MAA industry experts.
When drafting and implementing the new regulatory system, Baines Simmons will use the expertise it has gained by supporting the EDA and the UK MAA, whose systems are based on the proven European civil regulatory model.
Mark Briffa, Group CEO of Air Partner plc, commented: “When we acquired Baines Simmons in 2015, we knew its international role as a trusted advisor to more than 750 aviation organisations and more than 40 aviation authorities would fit well with Air Partner’s international blue chip client base. Since the acquisition, Baines Simmons has secured several new contracts, including a 10-year contract with the Isle of Man, and I am delighted that we are now working with the Royal Air Force of Oman too. We look forward to building what I hope will be the start of a long-term relationship.”
Commenting on the contract win, Bob Simmons, Director at Baines Simmons, said: “We are absolutely delighted to be working with the RAFO on this contract, which is at the heart of Baines Simmons’ core skillset. Our work for the RAFO will create the blueprint for the most up-to-date defence airworthiness regulatory system in the world.”
Baines Simmons, which was acquired by Air Partner in August 2015, has a long history of working with international military and government organisations, including the UK Military Aviation Authority (MAA), the Royal Navy and the Ministry of Defence (MoD). Air Partner, which was founded in 1961 and has 20 offices worldwide, has a proud history of working with heads of state and governments, including six of the G7 group of governments.
About Air Partner: Founded in 1961, Air Partner is a global aviation services group that provides worldwide solutions to industry, commerce, governments and private individuals. The Group has two divisions: Broking division, comprising air charter broking and remarketing; and the Consulting & Training division, comprising the aviation safety consultancies, Baines Simmons and Clockwork Research. For reporting purposes, the Group is structured into four divisions: Commercial Jets, Private Jets, Freight (Broking) and Consulting & Training (Baines Simmons and Clockwork Research). The Commercial Jet division charters large airliners to move groups of any size. Air Partner Remarketing, which is formed within the Commercial Jet division, provides comprehensive remarketing programmes for all types of commercial and corporate aircraft to a wide range of international clients. Private Jets offers the Company's unique pre-paid JetCard scheme and on-demand charter. Freight charters aircraft of every size to fly almost any cargo anywhere, at any time. Baines Simmons is a world leader in aviation safety consulting specialising in aviation regulation, compliance and safety management. Clockwork Research is a leading fatigue risk management consultancy. Air Partner is headquartered alongside Gatwick airport in the UK. Air Partner operates 24/7 year-round and has 20 offices globally. Air Partner is listed on the London Stock Exchange (AIR) and is ISO 9001:2008 compliant for commercial airline and private jet solutions worldwide. www.airpartner.com
About Baines Simmons: Founded in 2001, Baines Simmons is a world leader in aviation safety consulting, specialising in aviation regulation, compliance and safety management. It is a trusted advisor to more than 750 aviation organisations and more than 40 Aviation Authorities. Baines Simmons helps to advance best practice, shape safety thinking and drive continuous improvement to safety performance. This is achieved through its three service offerings: consulting, training and outsourced services. Through these services, Baines Simmons has helped develop the skills and expertise of more than 120,000 aviation professionals across multiple facets of the aviation industry. Clients include: KLM, SAS, Thomas Cook, Thomson, British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, The Isle of Man Government, BAE Systems, MoD, Rolls Royce, Royal Air Force, Royal Navy, Airbus, the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and UK Military Aviation Authority (MAA). www.bainessimmons.com
About the Royal Air Force of Oman (RAFO): Royal Air Force of Oman (RAFO) was formed on 1st March 1959. The first aircraft were three PROVOST jet trainer and two Pioneer transport aircraft, operated from a small runway in Bait Alfalaj. RAFO came into its own as the dynamo of national defense as well as of national civil development. During the early years of the renaissance period, RAFO played a key part in the civil development efforts through conducting activities that make possible further advancement in the growth of the Nation. RAFO now operate a range of modern aircraft including Airbus A320’s, Eurofighter Typhoon and NH Industries NH90 Helicopters from several bases throughout the Sultanate.
