February 3 - Air Partner has expanded into Turkey and Hong Kong as part of its on-going geographical growth plans to enter new and emerging markets.
The new ventures began trading last month with a focus on developing the company's freight charter business to meet the needs of a client base which continues to grow, despite the recession.
Air Partner Turkey, located in Istanbul, is headed by Serkan Topcu, formerly of cargo logistics company Schenker Logistics, who has been joined by Emir Ozdabak and Gunnes Nomaler, both of whom have strong aviation charter backgrounds.
Dubai-based Kevin Ducksbury, director Middle East and Asia, commented: "Our office in Turkey fits perfectly with the Air Partner Group's strategy to strengthen its presence in the Middle East and Asia regions and Istanbul is ideally located as the bridge between our established operations in Europe and our growing ventures in the Middle East."
Commenting on the new Hong Kong operation, Richard Smith, director of Group Freight, said: "We view Hong Kong as a key air cargo market and our presence there bolsters our existing freight departments in the UK, France, Germany, USA and Middle East.
"In response to a short 'peak period' late last year, we operated a series of charters from Hong Kong which further demonstrated there is demand in the region which we aim to capitalise on. Now, we can serve clients with locally-based expertise."
Air Partner Hong Kong is represented by WAI Asia, a leading Hong Kong GSA. WAI is headed by Keith Lo who will promote Air Partner's freight business throughout the region.
