Koh Raet which will become a private island development

ASA wins private charter and security contract for tropical island

The ASA Group will provide private charter flights, vip travel and security services for visitors to an exclusive island sited just 600 metres off the north eastern shores of Phuket in Thailand.

It has signed a memorandum of agreement with TGR Group Asia to provide aviation and vip security services at the Jumeirah Private Island.

ASA ceo Simon Wagstaff says: "The island can be reached by helicopter or luxury vehicle and a four-minute boat ride across from the Phuket mainland. This development is something special and our extensive experience taking care of vips means that we can offer visitors the service they will naturally expect."

In 2007 TGR appointed Dubai-based Jumeirah Group to manage the resort, set to open in 2011. The island will feature 72 villas each with an infinity pool and jacuzzi, including 16 private estates and 38 private residences. There will be extensive leisure, spa and fitness facilities, including a freeform swimming pool, a 400-metre private beach, four restaurants and bars. In addition, the resort will offer a tennis court, several boutiques, a business centre and a library.

The development encom-passes the entire 70 acre previously untouched tropical island called Koh Raet. Dilokpol Sundaravej, TGR's development md, says: "Set on 56,000 square metres of private land, the resort will offer spectacular views of Phang Nga Bay to the north, the beaches of Ao Po Bay to the west and white sandy beaches with views of Naka Yai and Naka Noi."

ASA will also provide FBO services to island visitors from its new executive aviation terminal at Phuket International Airport scheduled to open later this year. ASA will also offer other services including security, aircraft charter, concierge services, over-flight and landing clearances and customs and immigration. Wagstaff adds: "Jumeirah Private Island Phuket will enhance Thailand's reputation as a luxury destination and we look forward to ensuring visitors' travel experiences are an enjoyable part of their holiday."

The ASA Group is head-quartered in Hong Kong and has bases all over Southeast Asia, as well as in Dubai, the UK and the US. TGR-Asia was formed in 2006 by entrepreneurs with substantial development experience in North America, Europe and Asia. Sundaravej says: "Just as the Burj Al Arab is Jumeirah's flagship hotel in the Middle East, TGR-Asia's private island will be home to Jumeirah's flagship resort hotel of Asia. The 115-berth marina will provide 24-hour deep water access and will berth up to 100-metre mega-yachts. The island will also be the site of 50 private estates owned by some of the world's most successful people."