Charter firm joins Flight Centre ranks
The addition of a charter aircraft business to Flight Centre’s portfolio will enable it to deliver “unique travel products” for its customers in line with its global strategy, according to managing director Graham Turner.
Flight Centre announced on Friday that it would acquire a 51% stake in Brisbane-based AVMIN which operates air charters for VIPs, sporting and conference groups as well as fly-in fly-out logistical services.
“This acquisition will give FLT access to a new and profitable revenue stream and will significantly enhance the offering we provide to corporate and leisure travellers,” Turner said.
“Effectively, we will have a complete and unique end-to-end travel service, offering a solution for any type of travel, whether it be a large scale FIFO and logistics operation, an executive or celebrity requiring a private jet or group travel.”
The remaining 49% interest will be retained by founder and managing director Paul O’Brien and general manager Amrit Wijesuriya.
The deal could see AVMIN launch new services in areas where charter flights are a “viable” alternative to scheduled air services, he continued.
In addition, underserved routes could be bolstered by charter services, as could key routes during peak periods.
O’Brien also highlighted the potential of the deal, which he said would “fast-track” AVMIN’s growth.
“In addition to working closely with FLT’s core leisure and corporate travel brands, which are market leaders in Australia, there are real opportunities to develop close ties with the company’s other niche brands like cievents for group charters and Stage&Screen for VIP jets and freight aircraft.”
The longer term could see the business look further afield to Asia and the US.
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
AVMIN charter flight centre graham turnerLatest News
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