Since 2009 ExecuJet Aviation has been providing a safe, comprehensive aviation service to resource extraction industries throughout Africa seeking business aviation solutions to remote locations.

Whilst the demand for regular air service to remote places has grown considerably in Africa with the discovery of more mineral wealth in those areas, Africa’s aviation safety is poorly rated when compared with other continents and many of the African airlines are considered to be unsafe.

This has encouraged African mining companies to take control of the air movement of their staff to mining sites through use of dedicated, private air services.  The use of chartered aircraft continues to increase as Africa struggles to improve poor road and rail infrastructure. “Private business aviation in Africa is a necessity rather than a luxury”, says Chris Frost, Business Manager for Flight Operations at ExecuJet.

Ever mindful of the need to reduce operational risk, most mining companies now only procure aviation services from internationally rated aircraft operators adhering to stringent safety standards.

Aviation safety awareness is particularly important for those companies requiring different aircraft types to fulfil different missions. For example, ExecuJet can supply air service through helicopter, light business jet, 50-seat airliner, intercontinental business jet and air cargo on any one day to the same mine. It is critical that each type is operated to the same safety standards.

Africa has traditionally been treated as a haven for ageing aircraft, many of which may no longer be adequately maintained. This is changing as African Civil Aviation Authorities realise the need to legislate that aircraft importation be limited to newer, safer technology15 or 20 year old aircraft models.

Mining houses will be looking for aircraft equipped with the latest safety instrumentation to prevent mid-air collision, ground proximity warning and satellite tracking of each flight.

Resource extraction companies recognize that safety costs. Whether the cost is incurred pro-actively in the prevention of accidents or retro-actively after an accident has happened, it forms a significant part of an operational budget.

Whilst chartering an aircraft is generally perceived to be more expensive than using airlines, the tangible advantages (travelling direct to site) and intangible advantages (saving time safely) can be shown to be more cost-effective in the long run.