Wanny Wu says the Beijing office has seen a strong start to the year

ACS arranges first private jet charter out of Dubai Al Maktoum's VVIP terminal

Air Charter Service has arranged the inaugural private jet flight from Dubai Al Maktoum's new VVIP terminal on an Embraer Legacy. The terminal is the world's first seven-star airport facility and this flight marked the beginning of operations at the private aviation-dedicated terminal.

Andrew Summers, managing director of ACS Middle East, comments: “To be able to charter the first aircraft from this impressive terminal is a real honour. It is a landmark day for Middle Eastern private aviation and we are happy to be a part of it. We are looking forward to being able to offer many more of our clients charters from this stylish terminal.”

Promotion for Purton

Matthew Purton has been promoted to the position of global director of commercial jets at ACS, taking over the role from ceo Justin Bowman.

Founder and chairman Chris Leach comments: “As global director, Matt will build on Justin Bowman's success and will be working internationally to ensure that we become the largest commercial jet brokerage in the world. His knowledge and experience in this division are unparalleled. He is not only an exceptional broker, but he has patiently built a hugely successful team based on experienced staff and young talent coming through our training programme, as well as making himself available to assist colleagues internationally.”

Purton, who joined ACS more than ten years ago, adds: “I look forward to continuing to develop the team around the world and to establish our position as the only charter brokerage with commercial jet staff on every continent. Already in my new role I am looking at new projects and look forward to seeing these come to fruition.”

With Purton's appointment Alex Sadat-Shafai, who also joined the company ten years ago, has been promoted to ACS London's director of commercial jets. Leach says: “Alex originally started with us in 2006 and is an excellent asset to the company. He has been assistant director for the past two years and is more than ready to step up to this position.”

China operation on a roll

ACS's Chinese operation exper-ienced impressive growth last year and is making a strong start to 2016.Managing director of the Beijing office Wanny Wu says: “Our 2015 results were outstanding. We arranged 56 per cent more charters than in 2014. This was led by a significant increase in numbers from our experienced private jets team, but our fledgling commercial jets department really flourished as well.

“The private jet market in the region was exceptionally buoyant for us last year. This, combined with the new staff contributing positive figures, meant that we had a great 2015. This year has started well too. We have already had a record February and March, so the signs are good for growth to continue.”