News Release

The ASA Group becomes first Asian charter broker to earn ARGUS registered broker rating

April 13, 2016:

ARGUS International, Inc. is pleased to announce that The ASA Group has become the first Asian charter broker to earn the ARGUS Registered Charter Broker rating.

As the most recognized and trusted source of information on the charter business around the world, the ARGUS Charter Broker program raises the bar to meet the high expectations and due diligence requirements of charter consumers and commercial aircraft operators. Although there are many charter brokers in the industry, only the finest can qualify as an ARGUS rated charter broker.

“We are pleased to announce The ASA Group as our first Asian Registered Charter Broker,” said Joe Moeggenberg, president and CEO of ARGUS International, Inc. “The ASA Group's commitment to higher levels of professionalism helps set the standard for charter broker excellence around the world. With an ever-increasing number of brokers constantly entering the industry, it's critical to keep customer safety, finances and comfort at the forefront of business practices. The ASA Group has reinforced this commitment through their recent certification.”

“We are thrilled and delighted to become an ARGUS Registered Charter Broker,” said Simon Wagstaff, founder and chairman of The ASA Group. “Air charter is not a standardized market in Asia yet due to high operating costs and other factors. We look forward to working with ARGUS as they raise the charter broker industry standard, and work toward making air charter a more feasible option throughout the region.”

Wagstaff went on to say, “Whether traveling to Asia for the first time, or as a frequent visitor for business or leisure, clients need to know that they can completely trust their service providers. While this may in the short term have some cost implications, there is no doubt that in the long term there are huge benefits and gains to be derived from such trusted relationships. Our internationally recognized achievements including the ARGUS registered broker certification, IS-BAO and IS-BAH support service affiliates, and TRACE go a long way toward building that trust.”

Consistent with the ARGUS Gold and Platinum rating program for charter operators, the ARGUS Charter Broker program is designed to provide end consumers and aircraft operators with unbiased, factual and relevant data necessary to make informed and confident decisions every time they participate in a charter flight facilitated through a charter broker. An ARGUS Registered Charter Broker must provide ARGUS with documented proof of specific requirements, and annually pledge their commitment to adhering to industry best practices and applicable regulations. A Certified Charter Broker will submit the same documentation and annual pledge, and will undergo an on-site audit, once every two years, to prove their compliance with industry best practices and applicable regulations.