www.aviation-times.aero

AUTUMN2016

INTERWIEW WITH JOSÉ EDUARDO COSTAS

CEPA EXPO ANNOUNCES 2016 DATES

GULFSTREAM SELLS FINAL G150, MARKS END OF 10-YEAR PRODUCTION RUN

GARETH DANKERS VIEW OF BUSINESS AVIATION IN CEE Inteview with Antonia Lukacinova CONTENTS

INTERVIEW – José Eduardo Costas 4

FBO RIGA Opening new Fronts for Riga Airport 7 Gareth Dankers view of business aviation in CEE 12 Cessna celebrates segment leadership with 5,000th EURO JET Opens New Lounges in Citation light jet delivery 10 Karlovy Vary and Dubrovnik 13

Tallinn Airport Awarded Title of Responsible Business Operator 10 CEPA Expo 2016 coming in few weeks 14

Gulfstream Sells Final G150, Marks End Of 10-year Production Run 11 Russian Helicopters CEO Alexander Mikheev’s Contract Extended for 5 Years 14

FL Technics adds to its CAMO 11 Airbus’ Beluga XL Transporter Continues to Take Shape 15

3 INTERVIEW

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE • Today there are approximately 20,950 business jets in operation around the world. BUSINESS JET FLEET • is the 2nd biggest market, behind US only. IN EUROPE • There are around 2,870 bizjets based in European countries (14% of total). • The Top 5 European fleet correspond to 47% of total business jets in region: Germany: 15,0% | UK: 12,0% | France : 8,0% | Switzerland: 6,2% | Austria: 6,0% • Today there are more than 1035 Embraer business jets in operation around the world: 1.5% of EEJ fleet, equivalent to 16 jets, are currently based in Central East Europe: • Czech Republic: 9 Embraer jets (8 Legacy 600/650 and 1 Phenom 100). • Poland: 5 Embraer jets (2 Legacy 600, 2 Phenom 100 and 1 Phenom 300). • Romania: 1 Embraer jet (Phenom 100). • Slovak Republic: 1 Embraer Jet (Legacy 650).

Source: Jetnet database (base region). September 2016.

What are the key issues facing Eu- is still ongoing and hopefully will economy driven business models. ropean business aviation in 2016? help to optimize the European fleet In longer term, some of the busi- The European business aviation and increase utilization, leading to ness aviation orthodoxies such as remains the second largest regional a growing opportunities for aircraft its exclusivity appeal are at a cross market in the world in terms of replacements and additions. There roads. On the other hand, the abili- new aircraft sales and pre-owned are however a good number of ty to deliver final user benefits such aircraft transactions. However, the “pockets of growth” where GDP as more speed, comfort and the region is taking longer to recover will increase above EU average in- flexibility in reaching final point- since the financial crisis, 8 years cluding some countries in Central to-point destinations, continue to ago. Some of the growth funda- Europe. This is encouraging news leverage its value position when mentals are yet to recover such as for business aviation, of course. compared to other transportation the current traffic levels, residual Also, we believe business aviation modes, and even when compared values of pre-owned aircraft, the service models are about to rein- to current airlines services in major economic growth and political vent their selves. Last time it hap- hubs. “The belief that business aviation is purely an exclusive and stability perspectives. pened was more than 15 years ago Currently, business aviation traffic with major fractional ownership With uncertainty in the financial luxury driven way of traveling is changing in a global basis. in Europe is pretty much the same companies in US, mainly. The ad- markets how do you this impact- We see this as an increasing trend,” thinks José Eduardo Costas, as last year, eastern region doing vent of new, more efficient aircraft ing on European business avia- better than west and south. How- models, new fleet management tion? Head of Sales for Pre Owned Aircraft from Embraer Executive Jets. ever, there is a good recovery track tools and services as health moni- Uncertainty in financial markets Three quarters of the 2016 are over and we were talking how Jose in total movements of light jets, toring systems may be enablers of a affects all sort of business including especially under charter opera- new era, where fleet efficiency will business aviation. Eduardo sees European business aviation market. tions. The charter consolidation be key to meet demand for shared However, it looks like this has

4 www.aviation-times.aero / AUTUMN2016 5 become the new norm since 2008, will need to react and adapt. The use of the fleet and then bring more so we believe that the industry as a drones markets and applications opportunities for fleet growth. whole is adapting to such condition are in their infancy and will have as well as the users and customers to be followed closely by regulators How you see European business of business aviation, translated and associations. aviation in five and ten years’ into more judicious investment time? decisions, either for replacement or European business aviation Since business travelers are all for acquiring new or used aircraft. growth has remained relatively about time savings, more and more At the same time, the demand of static in recent years, what executives and entrepreneurs will people that need to fly would you suggest as a solution to start viewing private aviation as to a location with poor schedule change this situation? an insurance against many ser- services or that are not offered by The low utilization of the European vice-related disruptions, common commercial aviation, entices the bizav fleet over the last years has to commercial aviation services. creation of different business mod- triggered a number of changes to- Moreover, the price to fly a private els. Even with uncertainty in the wards fleet “right sizing”. The belief jet is getting closer to the cost to fly FBO RIGA financial markets, the Economic that business aviation is purely an in a first class. The “shared econ- growth in Europe remains stable exclusive and luxury driven way omy” phenomena will certainly overall at 1.9 per cent (prior-year of traveling is changing in a global lead business aviation to rediscover period: 1.9 per cent). In addition, basis. We see this as an increasing itself in a large scale, thus involving Opening new Fronts the funding sources for aircraft ac- trend. all of its ecosystem, from OEM´s to quisition has remained satisfactory. First we see space for charter con- operators and final users. We have seen new financial entities solidation, where a reduced number interested in entering the aircraft of operators but with a larger fleet Do you believe Brexit will have for Riga Airport financing and leasing market and can rationalize admiistrative and an impact on European Business some of them are European. operating costs. The next challenge Aviation and if so will it be a posi- is to rationalize the fleet, either tive or negative impact? With an opening of an The construction started in 2013 at a cost 12.5 The rapid growth in the use of because some aircraft may be too In the short term perhaps, as ultra-modern business million Euros. The business center has a 1200 square drones and the many purposes old or the new and forthcoming uncertainty always impacts any aviation center in meter business aviation terminal and a 8400 square for which they are being used, operational requirements will business. UK is a very important is having a dramatic increase in demand considerable investments market and will always continue to September 2015, FBO RIGA meter heated hangar for both fixed wing and rotor the number of incidences of near depending upon the aircraft model be. We expect that all the conse- continues to push for better craft. There is an adjacent car park, an apron with misses with aircraft. How would and age. On the user side we also quences of Brexit in regards to customer experience. The parking stands for private business jets, and a you like to see the use of drones see a trend that the decision to fly a aircraft operations within Europe, center is the biggest in helipad. regulated in European airspace? specific aircraft from point A to B is aircraft taxes, etc. are all defined the Baltics and the EU. It FBO RIGA co-owners Roman Starkov and Leonid We are not involved in the drone been taken by using internet based and understood the soonest. Hav- business, however, as already said apps instead of traditional calls to ing said that, we continue to have highlights the growing Gorodnitsky stated that the company undertook before, Embraer is always in favor charter companies and brokers. strong leads and prospects in the significance of Riga Airport this development with the huge potential of Latvia of initiatives to increase safety. Technology is allowing information region even after the Brexit an- as a business aviation hub as an aviation hub in mind. There was a need for Technology development will and decision literally at fingertips. nouncement. for the Scandinavia and these services owing to the geographical location continue of course and, as such, it Trip price comparisons are becom- Baltic region. of the country. Latvia is strategically located and is will challenge established systems ing the norm and this will likely and infrastructure that on its turn allow a quicker and more efficient accessible by flights from Asia en route to southern and western Europe.

6 www.aviation-times.aero / AUTUMN2016 7 Range of services 2000 passengers. The terminal is able to handle both The opening of the business aviation center has light aircraft such as Premier 1 and heavy jets like enabled FBO RIGA to offer ground handling services the Boeing 707. There flights to major cities in west such as terminal services for passenger boarding and Europe and Russia; Moscow, London, St. Petersburg, landing, hangar for fixed and rotor aircraft parking, Prague, Tallinn, Kiev, Nice, Geneva, Vienna, Berlin, apron parking for flight stop over servicing, crew Zurich. Flights from central Asian countries have facilities for R&R, catering for passenger and crew, de- also been landing at the airport. The first 12 months icing and anti-icing, full service by a fully equipped saw an increase of 35% in flights. 85% of these were service station, aircraft cleaning and washing Flights cargo flights showing the trade potential of this hub. can access full ground handling services including refueling, watering, loading of meals and drinks, Awards parking of aircraft in the hangar, and cabin cleaning. In March 2016, FBO RIGA was nominated for two awards. The first was New Construction award in Passenger services include passport and customs recognition of the logistics and production the clearance, flight check-in and more. hangar (the first prize), and the New Construction award for the design of Public Facilities for the Private jet owners have access to station and store boutique terminal (the third prize). their aircraft at the aviation center. The company claims to have a personalized business service for In April 2016 FBO RIGA was honored in Prague with private jets. Sapphire Pegasus Business Aviation Awards, for done. The interior design was done by Zane Tetere, managed to reduce the handling time per aircraft Handler / Service Provider / FBO as the best FBO in one of the most successful designers of Latvia. with this facility. Increased flights Europe. The nomination was done by over 2000 The ground floor of the building comprises six Within the first 8 months of opening the aviation professionals online. comfortable sitting areas, a VIP Lounge and a VIP The lounges have been separated for security and center, FBO RIGA handled over 1000 flights and meeting room, a bar, and an art gallery. The first convenience. Flight crews have access to their own Modern aviation floor of the terminal houses a conference room and lounge and can hold briefings in meeting rooms. hub offices. A separate space is occupied by FCG OPS, There are also service rooms for refreshing and FBO RIGA Center a certified 24/7 flight operations control center, relaxing. also holds supporting more than 90 daily flights to and from international the airport. Planned development meetings, As part of better service delivery for everyone; presentations, and Improved efficiency passengers, ground and flight crew, there is a plan events. The center Before putting up the new facilities ground to open a hotel. The hotel will ease passenger flight has all the trappings operations per hour took 1 hour, during 40 minutes. changes and also offer better service to off-duty of a modern aviation This was reduced to 30 minutes! Connecting flights crew. hub. The hangar can from Asia to Europe or America have found a easily hold 5 Boeing convenient stop over for both passenger and cargo Aircraft maintenance services have been improved Jets, or 9 Gulfstream flights, clearing ground handling in less than one by opening of a fully equipped service station in 550 business jets, hour of an aircraft being landed. This is a service January 2016. The station is manned SOLINAIR, a or 20 Learjet-60 possible only in smaller airports. certified provider of maintenance for aircraft. aircraft. Flight crew have been able to handle tasks easier as The waiting lounges aircraft can taxi up to the terminal for easier loading, have been tastefully boarding and refueling. Ground personnel have

8 www.aviation-times.aero / AUTUMN2016 9 CESSNA CELEBRATES SEGMENT LEADERSHIP WITH GULFSTREAM SELLS FINAL 5,000TH CITATION LIGHT JET DELIVERY G150, MARKS END OF 10-YEAR PRODUCTION RUN Cessna Aircraft Company today announced that it has Citation M2, Citation Bravo, Citation Excel, Citation recently delivered the 5,000th Citation light business jet, a XLS and Citation XLS+ business jets. Catreus’ combined Gulfstream Aerospace Corp. announced it has sold the last Gulf- Citation M2, to Helitrip Charter LLP, which is leasing the aircraft fleet now operates approximately 3,000 charter stream G150, marking the end of the mid-size aircraft’s more than aircraft to Catreus Ltd., an hours a year. 10-year production run. The final G150 will be delivered to a custom- FL TECHNICS ADDS established charter operator “We are delighted to add er in mid-2017. “The G150 has had a distinguished history, spanning AIRBUS A330 TO ITS based in the U.K. This mile- another Citation M2 to our more than a decade,” said Mark Burns, president, Gulfstream, “and it CAMO stone demonstrates Textron fleet. After bringing the first remains an important part of our business. Our product support organ- Aviation’s leadership in the M2 into the U.K. last year, ization will continue to provide industry-leading support to our G150 FL Technics, a global provider of one-stop- light jet segment. we have seen an increase owners and ensure there are enough parts, tooling, sustaining engineer- shop aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul To celebrate this milestone in demand for the aircraft. ing, and personnel available to support the worldwide G150 fleet. Our services, is further expanding the range of its delivery, Textron Aviation, Adding a second M2 to the Field and Airborne Support Teams (FAST) will still use two G150 air- Continuous Airworthiness Management capabil- Helitrip and Catreus held fleet will now allow us to craft to transport parts and technicians to our operators in the Americas ities by adding Airbus A330 aircraft type to its a special ceremony at the meet the demand,” said Cy and the Caribbean.” The G150 entered service in August 2006 as a EASA Part M approval. Textron Aviation headquar- Williams, CEO, Catreus replacement for the G100. The new aircraft’s performance immedi- ters in Wichita. Ltd. “We have recently been ately put it at the top of the mid-size class of business jets. The versatile The updated Part M was issued following a suc- “We are thrilled Catreus will be operating another M2, as approved as the first operator to operate the M2 out of aircraft has the longest range at the fastest speed in its class. cessful audit conducted by EASA earlier this year. the M2’s excellent combination of range and efficiency will London City, which means our entire fleet is now London The new approval enables FL Technics to offer be a great addition to their fleet to help meet their growing City approved. We look forward to our continued relation- Gulfstream’s fleet of nearly 120 G150s comprises operators in the Airbus A330 operators and owners a broad va- customer base”, said Kriya Shortt, senior vice president, ship with Textron Aviation.” U.S., Canada, Central America, South America, Europe and Asia. The riety of engineering services, including Airworthi- Sales and Marketing. “Cessna’s innovative spirit trans- Cessna entered the light jet segment in 1972 when the G150 has a dispatch reliability rate of 99.83 percent and is certified in ness Directive and Service Bulletin compliance formed the light jet segment, and we continue to demon- company delivered its first Citation. Since then, the more than 45 countries, including the U.S., Brazil, Canada, China, control and their implementation, as well as strate our leadership in this segment by bringing products Citation light jets have continued to lead the light jet England, Germany, Israel and Switzerland. aircraft maintenance programme development, to market that our customers want and need. The 5,000th segment, to include the Citation I, Citation II, Citation technical records management, aircraft audits, Citation light jet delivery reiterates that our company re- Bravo, Citation S/II, Citation V, Citation Ultra, Citation “Our long-range plan calls for us to focus on the super mid-size and and other services. FL Technics’ CAMO capabil- mains the indisputable leader with decades of proven per- Encore, Citation Encore+ and the CJ family. Cessna’s large-cabin markets,” Burns said. “We have an excellent mid-cabin of- ities also cover A320 Family, NG/CL, formance, reliability and versatility.” current light jets – the Mustang, M2, CJ3+ and CJ4 – are fering in the G280. Since it entered service in late 2012, we have deliv- , Embraer EMB 135/145 and ERJ 170, Catreus currently manages and operates a mixed fleet all single-pilot certified and ideal for corporate, charter ered nearly 100 of those aircraft, demonstrating the appeal of incorpo- as well as recently added SSJ100. of aircraft, which includes the Cessna Citation Mustang, or private use. rating large-cabin-type capabilities into a super mid-size aircraft.” “Many of our clients operate or plan to add wide-body aircraft to their fleets, hence, we are delighted to have the ability to offer them quality TALLINN AIRPORT AWARDED TITLE OF RESPONSIBLE BUSINESS OPERATOR CAMO support not only for narrow, but wide body The gala reception held on the to the most outstanding business thereof into its business model. aircraft as well. With over 1200 of Airbus A330s evening of 5 October as part of operators in seven categories. The Over the last year a great deal of in operation across the globe, we are ready to Tallinn Enterprise Day saw the title of Responsible Business Op- attention has been turned to cus- support airlines from any region and help them announcement of the winners of erator was awarded to Tallinn Air- tomer service, cooperation with in ensuring more efficient A330 maintenance the Tallinn Enterprise Awards for port. Celebrating its 80th anniver- partner companies and reducing planning and airworthiness management,” 2016. The competition is designed sary this year, Tallinn Airport is the airport’s ecological footprint. explains Zilvinas Lapinskas, the CEO of FL to recognise and reward business marked out by its systematic and Technics. operators and all enterprising consistent approach to sustain- people. Awards were presented ability and its skilful integration

10 www.aviation-times.aero / AUTUMN2016 11 in Southern Europe, especially with Asian companies. U.S. clients are Gareth Danker, Director Greece, issues with Russian very strong and European customers of Sales and Marketing sanctions and still the continent continue to strive despite Russian has remained relatively stable. sanctions, Brexit and the struggles of at Euro Jet, one of the Therefore, maintaining flat growth Greek financial crisis. world’s leading provider of is a good thing considering all the How secure do you think European flight and ground support challenges that European business aircraft operators are? services, recently took time aviation has faced. Anyone who has been in private What do you see as the biggest aviation knows that nothing is ever EURO JET OPENS NEW to share with AVIATION threat to the future of business secure when it comes to stability of an Times his view of business aviation in Europe? aircraft operator. Very much depends LOUNGES IN KARLOVY VARY aviation in central We do not really see there to be on the investment the owner wants any major threats. to make in the aircraft. Security also Europe. depends on how well they will market AND DUBROVNIK Talking about the future of themselves and properly price trips and European aviation market, how be as financially stable as possible. This Euro Jet announced the opening of a new do you see European business is a very competitive industry on the VIP complimentary crew lounge in the Czech aviation in five and ten years’ charter side and it requires some very Republic’s premier spa resort town of Karlovy time? savvy financial decisions to sustain a We see it getting stronger. We profitable operation. Vary and Dubrovnik, Croatia. think that the Spanish, Portuguese, The very large lounge in Karlovy Vary includes comfortable Greek markets will continue to Do you believe Brexit will have couches, a private relaxation area, full work station with wifi, improve and position themselves an impact on European Business flat screen television, and assorted snacks and beverages. well. In our opinion, UK will - Aviation and if so will it be a positive The spacious lounge will offer crews the option to get work while they have challenges - will or negative impact? done or relax before, after, or in between flights. come out OK once everything is That depends on what the final finalized. We remain positive. The agreement will look like. We can This is Euro Jet’s third lounge located in the Czech Republic. German aviation sector continues consider this issue upon solely Euro Jet also has two lounges at Prague’s Vaclav Havel to be strong and we feel that it will immigration, or based upon both Airport. European continue to grow as well as the immigration and economic restrictions business aviation Scandinavian market. We see great and limiting to what is currently a Dubrovnik crew lounge provides crews with a comfortable growth has remained potential over the next years and relatively free market in UK. If it does air conditioned environment along with assorted cold relatively static in recent further growth in this industry. restrict the free market, then yes, beverages and snacks. This was very much appreciated years, what would you suggest Where do you see future growth there could be a negative impact on during the hot Summer months when Dubrovnik is busiest. as a solution to change this coming from? Which regions UK operators flying freely to EU. They The lounge also has comfortable armchairs, a full work situation? and sectors of business? will need permits; they will be paying station with wifi, and a flat screen television. The static growth has not As a ground support company we more… Such events could hurt the necessarily affected us. Euro Jet see most of our business coming British economy and in turn impact “Euro Jet has continued to recognize the demand throughout has seen continued record growth from U.S., Europe and Asia while business aviation in UK, from airport its core region for proper crew facilities. Our goal is to keep over the past eight years. We have we all know the Chinese market standpoint and less aircraft standpoint. building them in the future,” says Gareth Danker, Director of not seen flat growth, we have had has been not as strong as it has Sales and Marketing at Euro Jet. record growth each and every been anticipated years ago, but year. We have all seen the EU crisis we still do business in China and

12 www.aviation-times.aero / AUTUMN2016 13 CEPA EXPO 2016 COMING IN FEW

WEEKS RUSSIAN HELICOPTERS This year CEPA Expo has been extended to three days CEO ALEXANDER to include the career day on Tuesday 18th October. MIKHEEV’S CONTRACT AIRBUS’ BELUGA XL TRANSPORTER CONTINUES TO TAKE SHAPE The concept of this day is to introduce young people to the world of aviation and the opportunities there are EXTENDED FOR 5 YEARS When Airbus’ Beluga XL oversize cargo airlifter enters service, it will have the same visual appeal as its well- for career development. Networking with delegates loved predecessor – the A300-600ST Super Transporter, more commonly known as the Beluga ST – thanks will be encouraged to allow delegates and students to Russian Helicopters has announced its CEO Alexan- to the design of its nose and main cargo door. discuss the possibilities and the skillset and abilities der Mikheev’s contract extension until 2021. The de- needed to develop a successful career in business avi- cision was made in September. The whale-like face that earned the impacts the cockpit position, which is ing five-member Beluga ST fleet – ation. original Beluga its nickname is icon- even lower than on the current Be- which is used for carrying complete “During the three years under Alexander Mikheev’s guid- ic – however it wasn’t always certain l u g a S T.” sections of Airbus aircraft from Another new addition are workshops. EASA Brush up ance, Russian Helicopters has shown constant growth this distinctive feature would be This was a real challenge, but Mar- different production sites around workshop is organized by JAA promises to review and of all key financial indicators. In 2015, annual revenue carried over to the new-generation ion is confident his team’s work Europe to the final assembly lines discuss recent developments in EASA regulations and increased by 29.5% to RUB 220.0 billion, and profit in- Beluga XL, which was launched in packages will be ready on time to in Toulouse, France and Hamburg, Russian workshop provided by RUBAA and its repre- creased by 103.7% to RUB 42.2 billion. Presently, despite 2014 based on Airbus’ highly-ver- feed the Toulouse, France final in- Germany. The fleet had 5,000 total sentative is dedicated to aviation activity in Russia. The the turbulent conditions of the global helicopter mar- satile A330 jetliner. In contrast, the tegration line. “There is still some flight hours in 2012 and that num- Russian business aviation market is of a great interest for ket, Alexander Mikheev has a task of helping not only A300-600ST is derived from the way to go, but we’re all proud of our ber is projected to be 10,000 in many European companies and the workshop offers a to strengthen the positions of Russian Helicopters in the company’s shorter-fuselage A300. achievements so far,” Marion added. 2017. perfect opportunity to meet with representatives of Rus- medium and heavy aircraft niches, which are traditional Favourable aesthetics played no “At the end of August 2016, more Hervé Demoinet, who is leading the sian operators, airports, service providers, brokers. for the Russian helicopter industry, but also to enter new, major role in the Beluga XL’s “fa- than 50 per cent of the elementary team preparing the Beluga XL for prospective markets in Africa, Asia, Latin America and cial” design, rather it was a com- parts had been built and 15 per cent entry into service, noted that the A key element not to be forgotten is the generous hospi- the Middle East with new offers. I am sure that Alexan- bination of cost targets and pay- of the assembly had been completed.” Belugas – both the ST and XL – will tality of the Czech hosts. As with previous CEPA Expos der Mikheev will meet these challenges,” said the CEO of load and ground infrastructure This on-schedule development was play a major role in future produc- this year’s program includes a series of networking and Rostec Corporation Sergey Chemezov. requirements. “To avoid excessive underscored by Bertrand George, tion ramp-ups. “Both versions will hospitality events. These are always a very popular part development costs, we re-use the Head of Beluga XL programme, operate in parallel for a while, but of CEPA Expo and give delegates the chance to enjoy “Our main strategic task was and is to create high-tech nose landing gear from our base air- who said that Beluga XL assembly we’ll begin phasing out the ST by the the finer aspects of Czech hospitality while still net- helicopter industry in Russia capable of meeting all inter- craft, the A330,” said Yael Marion, acti end of 2020,” he says. “Thanks to the working and exchanging ideas late into the night. nal demands for helicopters and capture the maximum nose fuselage and main cargo door vity on the final integration line XL’s larger volume, we can transport possible share of the global market. We are currently pay- programme leader at STELIA Aero- should begin by the end of 2016. the same capacity with 30 per cent Once again CEPA Expo takes place in the stunning ing special attention to the promotion of civil helicopters, space – which is one of the aircraft’s Starting in mid-2019, the Beluga less flight hours.” surroundings of Prague Castle and has the official pa- both on domestic and foreign markets, as well as active- major aerostructure suppliers. “This XL will gradually replace the exist- tronage of the Czech Ministries of Transport, Foreign ly developing our system of after-sales service. During Affairs, Industry and Trade. The event is also support- the first 6 months of 2016 the revenues from after-sales ed by the City of Prague, the Czech Chamber of Com- service increased by almost one-third as compared to the The News magazine of Business, Commercial and Regional Aviation FOUNDED IN 2013. merce and the Confederation of Industry of the Czech previous period of 2015,” said Russian Helicopters CEO EDITORS: Cdr. Bud Slabbaert, Peter Bradfield / PUBLISHER: Antonia Lukacinova, Media Tribune Ltd. Republic. Alexander Mikheev. GRAPHIC DESIGN: Peter Ivan ADVERTISING SALES: Peter Figel / Contact: [email protected]

Aviation Times is published quarterly online. Copyright © 2013-2016. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without 14 www.aviation-times.aero / AUTUMN2016 permission of Media Tribune Ltd. is strictly prohibited. After the inauguration of the Sapphire Pegasus Award during a fabulous Gala Event in Prague, we sat down with Antonia Lukacinova to find out how it all came about. Antonia, the CEO of Media Tribune marketing communications agency is the brainchild of the Award and has worked tirelessly and determinedly to conceive this act and bring it to the stage.

Why a new Award? charge of creating a presentation, Companies from Central and For one, I was actively involved a promotion, or a public relations Eastern European countries learned myself in business aviation in CEE campaign which was needed fast. To build up a company in 5-10 region for quite a number of years. to compete in a global business years with a fleet of 5-7 aircraft is I have seen and experienced the environment. An international an accomplishment. Yet, in the exhaustive efforts that companies award could be a solution to marketplace, one is compared with in this region had to make in recognize and demonstrate their companies who have grown their order to achieve their targets, accomplishments. I felt that it was business over a period of 20 or profitability, increase in fleets, and important and about time to create more years. I’m not saying that it is increase their customer base. Most a way to celebrate their success. unfair, but one would should apply of these companies were working Secondly, there still exists a gap some relativity and appreciate with limited budgets that often between the West, where business the achievements. I felt that the prevented them from having their aviation was developed from the Sapphire Pegasus Award could own marketing or communication early days on, and the East that also be a fair chance for smaller team, or even just one person in entered the market much later. or younger companies to prove

16 www.aviation-times.aero / AUTUMN2016 17 themselves. Many of them are truly unique because of several potential locations, I came to the conclusion with companies. I’m sure we will offer that option Now that the first Award Event has proven to be a their scope of work, range of services, composition of that Prague is right for many reasons. I consider it the soon since most companies are interested to support tremendous success what do you expect in the future? professional teams, or other reasons. Heart of Europe with very good airline connections to training for students and those starting a career in I will continue to work for close cooperation with the I strongly believe that there are many companies a large number of destinations. aviation. leaders of the industry. It should result in the support who are actually great, but on an international level of start-up companies, educational developments, one is just not aware of them. They do deserve a form Why a special award for Russia? Why did you name it the Sapphire Pegasus Award; exchange of experiences between companies, bringing of recognition for their outstanding performances. Russia is a key market and in the focus of many why not gold? Why a flying horse and not an eagle? about new ventures and cooperation on international That is why I created the Sapphire Pegasus Award. companies. Many of them are exploring how to enter the For me Sapphire is the symbol of a blue sky. A blue level, and opening the door for new business market, do their business, establish their subsidiaries, sky means good conditions for flying. Thus, I feel opportunities for companies. How did you select the Board of Advice and decide or are looking for partners for cooperation. Many that Sapphire represents a positive message. The blue There is no doubt that the Sapphire Pegasus Award on the nomination procedures? companies are confronted with problems to build a sapphire is also one of the classic precious gemstones will become an institution of its own. Antonia My aim is to provide an optimal way of objective workable partnership in the Russian market. From which was important for the award name; to keep it Lukacinova should be commended for conceiving judging. Therefore, the finale score of the winners my own experience of doing business with clients in simple, It’s classic and symbolizing preciousness. The and realizing this new valuable asset to the business is the result of the initial online public voting and Russia, one was often faced with obstacles by banks, Blue Sapphire is actually also my favorite gemstone. aviation industry. those results were then combined with the votes of insurance companies, and other parties. A major The next Sapphire Pegasus Award Ceremony will be the Advisory Board judges. The Advisory Board was issue is the lack of proper communication and the Is being a nominee already a mentionable held on May 5, 2017 in Prague. comprised of a team of business aviation experts from understanding of different cultures. I believe that recognition; just like being an Oscar nominee? different segments of the industry. They had the final with the Sapphire Pegasus Award, we may bring I believe it is. At the gala event every nominee has word in determining the Award winners. I invited together business parties from different markets and received a certificate that confirmed the nomination judges from aviation associations as they are in close enable the creation of trustworthy relationships. It and category. contact with aviation companies according to the was one more reason to involve the RUBAA business regions that their organizations represent. They are aviation association. With a special Award for the often most aware of company and individual activities Russian market, we wanted to create awareness and performances in their region. Then, I also wanted and also present the outstanding performances of to invite aviation professionals with insights from hard working teams, that are facing many different different perspectives. So, I decided for some media problems in day to day activities in comparison to representatives who gather background intelligence Western companies. I wanted to show and prove and facts for their activities. that it is time to change the bias of many western companies that the Russian market and its businesses Why did you choose a limited geographical area? are unreliable. On the contrary, there are hardworking Will that be changed in the future? Will the event individuals and groups who do perform well and have remain in Prague in the foreseeable future? great ideas, but often have to “fight against everything I believed that it was important to find relevant and everybody” to move their dreams forward. areas where one can compare the performances of different types of companies in a geographical area Will there be additional awards in the future. where these companies are mostly active. We all What about scholarships? know that the USA is a completely different market We will indeed add some categories next year; we with other characteristics. The Far East and especially are always open for new ideas. This year we included China are very promising, so, I can envision that in “Social Media” because it is gaining importance the future we may also cover that region once we have as a communication tool and an award for that more experiences with Chinese companies. particular category is an encouragement for optimal Initially, I have considered other locations than applications. Scholarships were on our mind but is was just Prague. However, when comparing the benefits of just a bit too early since we were still in negotiations

18 www.aviation-times.aero / AUTUMN2016 19 The Complete guide to Business Aircraft & Helicopters

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