MEDIA ADVISORY - ENTRY INTO SERVICE EXPERT HIGHLIGHTS GROWING CHALLENGES
FACING BUSINESS AIRCRAFT OPERATORS IN EMERGING MARKETS

Andre Khury available for interviews prior to, during and after NBAA 2010, Atlanta, Oct. 19 - 21

MONTREAL, Oct. 6 /CNW Telbec/ Mr. Andre Khury's professional experience provides a unique perspective on a critical situation facing aircraft manufacturers, sellers and owners. In general terms, entry into service (EIS) is the execution of all tasks and processes related to delivering new and pre-owned aircraft. With significant growth in international transactions, particularly in emerging markets, EIS is becoming more complex. In his 10-year career, Mr. Khury has worked with hundreds of flight departments in more than 80 countries to provide related services.

"Often, in business aviation, EIS challenges are rarely anticipated - until an aircraft is grounded," says Andre Khury. "For example, imagine a situation where a multi-million dollar asset - such as a new business jet - is immobilized and rendered completely useless for an extended period of time. Why? Because foreign aircraft have specific needs due to country-specific civil aviation hurdles, which are often very significant. EIS issues often relate to: crew training, pilot visas, validations and operational regulatory requirements. This illustrates the potential challenges faced by operators in regions where business aircraft experience may be limited. And, it underscores the importance of entrusting expert service providers to avoid such problems."

Given his international experience, Mr. Andre Khury is well-suited to comment on a variety of business aviation issues in emerging markets, including:

    
    - Challenges related to owning and operating business aircraft
    - Increasingly sophisticated expectations - by both principals and flight
      departments
    - The significance of solid international alliances and relationships to
      the provision of EIS support
    - Cultural awareness and sensitivity as key success factors
    - The increasing shortage of pilots and qualified crews in Asia, South
      America and Africa
    - Challenges faced by manufacturers when delivering new aircraft to
      customers
    

Biography

Andre Khury is President, CEO and a principal of ACASS, a leading international supplier of corporate aviation support services. Founded in 1994, ACASS has the largest pilot network in business aviation - a database of more than 4,000 pilots worldwide. Prior to joining ACASS' management team, Andre held executive management and sales roles in several sectors, including: oil and gas, hospitality and industrial design. Mr. Khury holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from Concordia University in Montreal, Canada and is President of the Canadian Business Aviation Association, Quebec chapter.

Mr. Andre Khury is available for interviews in person at NBAA, Atlanta, October 19 - 21 and for telephone interviews before and after the convention.

For further information: or to schedule an interview, please contact: Mark Lowe, PRagmatic Communications, Tel: [phone], Mobile: [phone], E-mail: [email protected]