24
GA
/ Vol. 5 / No. 2 / FEBRUARY 2013
World news
During December 2012, an Antonov
An-72-100, registered UP-72859 and
operated by the Kazakhstan military,
crashed about 20 kilometres from
the Kazakh city of Shymkent while
descending to land in Shymkent.
The aircraft had been flying
from Kazakhstan's capital of Astana
to Shymkent, and was carrying 27
people seven crew and twenty
members of the Kazakh border patrol,
including its leader, acting Director of
the Kazakhstan Border Guard Service,
Colonel Turganbek Stambekov.
Antonov An-72P, c/n 36576092859 of the Kazakhstan Border Guard
- pic by Artem Batuzak.
ExecuJet Africa has recently embarked
on a joint venture with Acher Aviation,
leaders in off-shore helicopter
operations. The company now has the
ability and capacity to offer a range
of dedicated rotary wing solutions
to clients. In line with their fixed
wing operations ExecuJet now offer
extended aviation solutions to include
helicopter management, rotary wing
charter services and specialised support
to the oil, gas, mining and resource
exploration sector.
ExecuJet clients have access to
all the benefits of aircraft ownership
without the time-consuming
management responsibilities
attached to helicopter operations.
The helicopter management offering
ensures that complex matters
such as aviation legislation
compliance, aircraft maintenance
coordination, staff recruitment and
productive aircraft operation are
effectively and efficiently handled.
A dedicated team of management
professionals are available 24 hours,
365 days to ensure the highest level of
service to clients.
These rotary wing aircraft
comply with the latest regulatory
requirements and offer the very best
in onboard amenities and luxury,
reflecting ExecuJet's uncompromising
commitment to safety and comfort.
The company's extensive global
charter fleet now includes a Bell
407, a Agusta 109 Power and the
Eurocopter EC130 with access to a
range of additional types.
"ExecuJet is continuously
exploring solutions for the charter
business and private travel industry
and believes the additions to the fleet
contribute enormously to our efforts
to promote efficient non-scheduled
travel services at world class
standards" says Chris Frost, Charter
Business Development Manager,
ExecuJet Africa. The 6 passenger-
seat Eurocopter is currently based
at ExecuJet's Lanseria facility and
completed her first charter flight from
their apron during November. ·
Antonov
An-72-100
operated by
Kazakhstan military
crashes while
decending to land
The incident occurred at about
19h00 local time as the aircraft was
descending to land. According to local
media, the aircraft had been flying
at an altitude of about 800 metres
(2,600 ft) when it suddenly crashed
to the ground.Emergency crews
were dispatched from Shymkent in
response, but arrived too late to help.
Valikhan Derezhepov, head of the
local emergency services department,
said that the plane was completely
destroyed by fire and that only
fragments were left.
Kazakhstan's National Security
Committee issued a statement
confirming that all 27 people on
board had died in the crash and that
an investigation into the incident
had begun. ·
ExecuJet Africa adds helicopters to the Charter Fleet
British company
Aviramp Ltd
has developed
a revolutionary
concept for handling
passengers, with
the focus on the
needs of PRMs
Launched in January 2011, Aviramp
provides a low cost, very effective
solution to handling PRMs, espe-
cially at smaller airports which do not
have or cannot afford "conventional"
"Ambulift" or "Passenger Aid unit"
vehicles. Aviramp is available in five
models which cater for all aircraft
ranging from ATR42 through to B777.
The concept is simple, instead of hav-
ing steps to board passengers, it has
gently sloping ramps which can easily,
safely and comfortably accommodate
wheelchairs (and even catering trolleys
if need be) It also makes life easier for
elderly passengers or passengers with
toddlers or babies, by walking up or
down a ramp, rather than steps. PRMs
are boarded/disembarked with dignity
and safety.
It has a simple robust design
which meets all applicable European
and IATA safety standards. It is
user friendly, requiring "one man
operation". Cost of ownership was
also a major consideration in the
development of Aviramp. Operating
and maintenance costs are very low
and by using a small, fuel efficient
diesel engine, exhaust emissions are
also kept to a minimum.
Aviramps are currently in service
in Reunion, France and the U.K. and
customers in Japan, America and
Australia awaiting delivery of their
units.
Another innovative product
Aviramp has developed is the
"Portable" aircraft step. Manufactured
from Aluminium, the step folds up
and is stowed in the cargo hold of the
aircraft. Should the aircraft land at an
airport which does not have a suitable
step, the 30Kg "Portable" step can
be removed from the cargo hold and
deployed in two minutes.
Aviramp is proud to supply safe,
cost effective and efficient "win-
win" solutions for Ground Handling
Companies, airport authorities and
most importantly, passengers. ·