Maximus Air Cargo Continues To Fly Above The Ordinary In 2010
Abu Dhabi, 18 January 2009 (STAT) - Maximus Air Cargo, the UAE’s largest dedicated cargo aircraft operator, made significant progress throughout 2009, despite what was for many a turbulent year. The year ahead will promise further inroads into the ACMI sector together with continued humanitarian work and the positioning of Maximus as a leader in safety standards.
Growth continued with sales increasing nearly ten fold to nearly 100 million US dollars since the company’s inception just five years ago. Furthermore, staff levels in this period increased from 16 in 2004 to 184 in 2009. In particular, 2009 saw an increase in the number of airbus pilots to meet wet leasing requirements. In addition, the management of crew and operations were further improved by investment in an AIMS (Airline Information Management System).
Exciting developments included the selection of Maximus by Etihad Airways to run scheduled cargo services. This service quickly expanded to 14 scheduled flight rotations a week plus additional ad hoc cargo charter flights. The service, which is for Etihad Crystal Cargo, uses Maximus A300-600 Airbuses across five continents including historic twice-weekly services to Baghdad.
History was again made with the transportation of the Queen’s cavalry to Abu Dhabi. This was the first time they had travelled outside of Europe. Ongoing humanitarian work included several relief trips including the transportation of the UAE Search and Rescue Team to earthquake torn Indonesia, culminating in the launch of Care by Air initiative. The initiative, in partnership with Etihad Airways and Abu Dhabi Airports Company (ADAC) will provide cargo services to relief and humanitarian organisations at cost across its network of partner organisations and businesses. This will ultimately ensure the distribution of aid and vital supplies in times of need.
During 2009, Maximus Air Cargo also joined forces with Abu Dhabi Aviation Group adding strength, drawing on synergies and marshalling Maximus firmly to the next stage of development. In 2010, Maximus intends to continue to exemplify best safety and will ambassador aviation safety in the UAE supporting UAE federal regulators in their drive to establish best practices.
Fathi Buhazza CEO and President of Maximus Air Cargo summing up 2009 and looking onwards to 2010 said: “Maximus has continued to retain momentum and our actions in 2009 indicate that not only are we the UAE’s largest all cargo operator, but also one of the strictest in terms of safety standards. In the months ahead we owe it to the UAE to position ourselves as ambassadors of safety exemplifying industry best practice. Our plans for 2010 also include further inroads into the aircraft lease (ACMI) sector and provision of scheduled services together with ongoing support of worthy humanitarian missions and initiatives such as Care by Air.”
