Story ID: 
ACASS Chases Business Aviation Growth in Africa
By: Kaleyesus Bekele
Caption: Around half of its jet fleet is now based in Africa, mainly in Nigeria
Word Count: 393
Business aviation services group ACASS is chasing expanding market opportunities it sees across Africa, exploiting its expertise in helping clients navigate the region's unique aviation landscape. The Montreal-based group provides aircraft sales and acquisition representation, aircraft management, charter, leasing, and flight crew staffing services—operating globally under air operator certificates in Canada and San Marino.
"We see substantial growth opportunities emerging across Africa over the next six to twelve months," ACASS sales director Paul Ludick told AIN. "Our strong track record and reputation in Africa are generating tremendous momentum for the business."
Almost half of the 30 aircraft in its fleet are now based in Africa, where it flies for corporate clients active in sectors such as oil and gas and mining. Much of the current activity is in West Africa, with 11 jets based in Nigeria out of a managed fleet that includes a mix of Bombardier Global aircraft, Embraer Legacys, Gulfstreams, Dassault Falcon models, and a BBJ2.
"We have a strong presence in Nigeria and longstanding relationships with our clients there," said Ludick. "Nigeria is a large and dynamic country with significant natural resources, a growing economy, and considerable potential for business aviation."
Charter Growth
ACASS is also active in the charter market across North and East Africa. East Africa has emerged as a particularly promising region, with ACASS recently deploying two more business jets for charter in Kenya.
However, Ludick believes business aviation remains under-appreciated in Africa despite its growing role in economic development. "Business aviation is a powerful business tool," he said. "Executives can fly across the continent to conclude a billion-dollar business deal and be back home the next day."
ACASS, which was established in 1994, believes that growing economic activity, infrastructure investment, and cross-border business opportunities are expected to further increase demand for business aviation throughout Africa.
While the continent’s airport infrastructure has improved, Ludick noted that challenges remain, including navigation services, calibrated flight instruments, and firefighting capabilities. Other obstacles include intermittent telecommunications and unreliable power supply.
“In Africa, there are 54 countries and 54 different civil aviation authorities. As you can imagine, this creates [regulatory] challenges," he concluded. "Delivering first-world service in a challenging environment is no easy task, but it is one we have grown to understand, navigate, and work around."