Story ID: 019touchingbasesAINOct12
ExecuJet Boosts Reach in the Middle East
By: Curt Epstein
Caption: 
Word Count: 226
Zurich-based ExecuJet Aviation Group is extending its partnership with Bilen Air Service to include aircraft handling at Istanbul’s Sabiha Gokchen Airport, thus providing 24/7 general aviation flight support capability to the city, which serves as a link between Europe and the Middle East, following the recent introduction of flight restrictions at Istanbul Atatürk Airport. 
  
The two companies joined forces last year to provide FBO services at Istanbul Atatürk Airport, but Turkish authorities wishing to reserve daytime capacity there for airline traffic have imposed restrictions on general aviation operating hours. According to Bilen’s assistant general manager, Tolga Asan, “Istanbul Atatürk Airport currently has Notam restrictions in place, limiting foreign general aviation movements to between the hours of 2100 Zulu and 0230 Zulu. ExecuJet and Bilen Air Service are therefore extending our handling services to Sabiha Gokchen Airport to ensure our customers continue to be fully supported in the city.” 
  
ExecuJet also announced that its FBO at Berlin-Schönefeld Airport broke its single-month fuel uplift record when it pumped more than 116,000 gallons in July. The facility recently received the Shell Gold Award for Safety and Quality for the second straight year. The FBO offers a VIP passenger lounge and conference room, a crew lounge and briefing room, water services, catering, limousines, towing and fuel supply. It also provides landing permits.