Smart Aviation Company
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| Founded | February 2007 | |||
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| Hubs | Cairo International Airport | |||
| Fleet size | 6 (+ 3 orders & 3 options) | |||
| Company slogan | Fly Smart, fly your Style | |||
| Parent company | EgyptAir | |||
| Headquarters | Cairo, Egypt | |||
| Key people | Wael El-Maadawy (Chairman & Managing Director) | |||
| Website | http://www.smartaviation.com.eg/ | |||
Smart Aviation Company is a corporate airline operator based in Egypt. The company launched operations during the second quarter of 2007 from its base in Cairo International Airport
The company, which is partially owned by EgyptAir, is the first corporate jet operator in the country to cater to businessmen, politicians, executive air travelers and medical services.
In 2009, it expanded its business portfolio to cover medical evacuation in the form of air ambulance operations and in December 2010 will launch commercial passenger operations.
History
Smart Aviation Company launched operations on 3 May 2007 with a single 10-seater Cessna Citation Sovereign jet aircraft.
The company had signed an agreement with the National Bank of Egypt for a $45 million loan to fund its operations.
Smart Aviation is a member of Middle East Business Aviation Association (MEBAA)[1]
Ownership
Smart Aviation Company has 5 stakeholders:
- Civil Aviation Developing and Supporting Fund 60%
- EgyptAir Holding Company 13.33%
- Egyptian Holding Company for Airports and Navigation (EHCAAN) 10%
- Holding Financing Company of Civil Aviation 6.67%
- National Company for Navigation Services 6.67%
Operations
The airline provides clients with the facilities (aircraft and ground services) for corporate, VIP and personal travel from Egypt with a new fleet of Cessna Citation Sovereign C-680 aircraft. At Cairo International Airport they currently operate out of the VIP terminal (Terminal 1 - Hall 4) however in late 2010 the company will open its new executive FBO next to Hall 4.[2]
Services are offered for both domestic and international travel.
In June 2009, Cessna announced that in 2009 Smart Aviation would take delivery of the first two Cessna Citation Sovereign certified for medical evacuation (medevac) with a dual-patient system from LifePort. The two medevac Sovereigns are part of the original 6-aircraft order. The medevac (air ambulance) mission will be in addition to Smart's regular VIP charter service.
In 2010, the company announced plans to begins commercial passenger operations - see below.
The company maintains its fleet inside its newly built 4,000 sq metre hangar which should incorporate the business jets and the new Bombardier turboprops.
On December 15 2014 Cessna Citation 680 belonging to Smart Aviation landed in Malmö, Sweden carrying 10 asylum seekers from Beirut, Lebanon. Two crew members aged 59 and 56 were arrested on suspicion of organizing human smuggling. [3]
New Commercial Airline Subsidiary
In April 2010, the airline revealed plans to launch a new subsidiary dedicated to commercial scheduled and charter passenger services to complement its existing corporate service business. In July 2010 the company selected the Bombardier Q400 over the ATR 72-500 after evaluating both 60-70 seater aircraft. The company is expected to announce the Q400 order for 5 aircraft (2 firm and 3 options) in August 2010. The first 2 aircraft will be delivered in late 2010.[4]
The aircraft will be based at Cairo International Airport and then fly to a day-base like Sharm el-Sheikh International Airport or Aswan Airport and operate flights from there to key domestic and regional destinations not currently served by other airlines.
The aircraft will be equipped with inflight entertainment for flights longer than 2 hours.
The new airline will use the 'Smart' brand although it will be based out of one of Terminal 1 and not Hall 4 (the current VIP terminal) or the new executive FBO being built for company.
New Facilities
In 2010 the company will open its new executive FBO next to Terminal 1 Hall 4 where it currently use the VIP facility of Hall # 4.
The company is also building a 4,000 sq metre hangar which will incorporate the business jets and new Bombardier turboprops. The company is working towards Cessna approvals as a repair centre as well as FAA approval.[5]
Services
- Business Jets
- Air Ambulance
- VIP Handling
- Catering
- Engineering & Maintenance
- Scheduled passenger services (from December 2010)
Fleet
The Smart Aviation fleet consists of the following aircraft (September 2011):
| Aircraft | In service | Order | Options | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cessna Citation Sovereign | 5 | 1 | 0 | |
| King Air 350i | 1 | 0 | 0 | |
| Bombardier Dash 8 Q400 NextGen | 2 | 0 | 3 | Aircraft for new passenger airline operation |
| Total | 7 | 2 | 3 |
Gallery
References
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