Swiss-based aircraft management firm AXIS Aviation (BQA, Zurich) has expanded to South Africa by integrating Absolute Flight Services (TTN, Johannesburg Lanseria), a move the company said represents a significant development in its global expansion plans.
AXIS anticipates rising demand for business aviation in Africa, with chairman Niall Olver commenting in a statement: "This expansion means we are well-positioned to meet the growing demand for premium business aviation services not just in South Africa but across the continent."
Absolute Aviation CEO Neil Howard said the African market was evolving and the merger would combine the companies' expertise. Absolute remains a significant shareholder in the company but will operate under AXIS Aviation. Howard will stay on as executive director and the existing management and operations teams will keep their roles.
AXIS will manage Absolute Aviation's two entities in Johannesburg and Cape Town, each with a Fixed-Base Operator (FBO) facility. With the integration of Absolute's fleet of 20 aircraft, AXIS Aviation's global fleet will more than double in size.
The addition will complement its presence in Europe and the Middle East, it said, and "having achieved Part 129 certification in December 2023 in Austria, enabling travel to and from the United States, AXIS Aviation is well placed to serve customers worldwide."
AXIS Aviation recently acquired a San Marino air operator's certificate through Axis Aviation San Marino - its third AOC after Switzerland and Austria.
According to its website, AXIS Aviation's fleet includes the following types: Global 7500, Bombardier Global XRS, GVI-G650, Gulfstream V, Falcon 2000/2000DX, PC-12, and Cessna Aircraft Company Citation CJ1.
