16 February 2012 – As Ocean Sky continues to grow in each area of its business, Steve Grimes, CEO, is delighted to announce two appointments that will utilise the strengths of key members of the management team, with immediate effect.

Andrew Hughes, with his vast technical experience, will assume the new role of Group Technical Director for Ocean Sky. Within his new position, Andrew will be responsible for the AOC, regulatory and operational functions. Strengthening and building relationships with key manufacturers, this pivotal role will enable Ocean Sky to strengthen and grow the business, whilst upholding and adhering to the industry’s strictest safety standards and regulations.

In addition, Steve Evans has been appointed Managing Director of Ocean Sky UK Ltd. Growing the business across Europe, he will work with both the London and Moscow Aircraft Management offices. Steve’s proven financial and commercial experience best places him to develop the aircraft management business – an area of the Ocean Sky Group that supports all other areas of the business.

Steve Grimes said ‘these management changes come at an exciting time for the company, which is now the fastest growing private aviation group in Europe. These appointments will utilise the skills sets of two valuable members of the team, allowing us to take our international growth to the next level’.

Ocean Sky continue to pioneer new technology to enhance the Private Jet experience; introducing a bespoke, portable iPad-Charging Case. Designed and Created by Ocean Sky Interiors Division, this is the first flight-case of its kind.

The case is lockable and features tailor-made foam inserts to ensure security in-transit, whilst the inbuilt ventilation system ensures the integrity of the devices. Also featuring a certified USB cable, the case can connect to a MacBook whilst remaining locked, to facilitate simultaneous charging and syncing of data.

Based on the traditional design of a flight-bag, cases can be commissioned in a variety of materials and finishes to match any brand, aircraft livery or interior decorative scheme.

Custom-made cases can hold up to 10 iPads, providing an elegant space-saving solution onboard, where space and comfort are always at a premium.

This innovation is a product of Ocean Sky’s approach to private aviation, which puts the client experience first. “We designed the iPad Charging Case with the customer in mind – by anticipating potential issues and devising solutions before they ever become problems ensures a seamless service” comments Lenny Gray, GM of Ocean Sky Aircraft Interiors Division.

Ocean Sky will also be re-launching their website on 11th May. Please visit http://www.oceansky.com for more.

Ocean Sky have signed with PR agency LUCA by LUCHFORD APM to manage their global communications.

Renowned for seamless bespoke service, trusted expertise in all areas of its business and proven safety record, Ocean Sky has a loyal client base in the US, Russia and Europe and is looking to maintain strong presence in these areas whilst expanding in developing markets, such as India, China and the UAE.

The upcoming communications campaign will be centred on raising Ocean Sky’s profile in each of the seven facets of its business in line with their respective development: private jets, interiors, engineering, aircraft handling, aircraft management, sales and acquisitions and aircraft charter. In every instance, the emphasis will be on the ability of Ocean Sky to provide outstanding, professional service.

Ocean Sky recently acquired a 46,000-square foot aircraft maintenance hangar at Luton Airport (the largest available for all private aviation customers) with the aim of adding to its industry-leading Bombardier facility in Manchester. Having also doubled its apron space at Luton to 125,000 sq ft (increasing stand capacity to 20 aircraft) and announcing new Jet Centres in Spain, Ocean Sky is the fastest growing Aviation Company in Europe. Further developments are soon to be unveiled.

A particular growth area is the aircraft interiors business. Pioneering the use of new technologies and techniques, such as the inclusion of stone flooring in their aircraft, Ocean Sky continue to break new ground in their commitment to delivering unique, bespoke interior design.

Ocean Sky’s offering, as an integrated private aviation services group, is built on their ability to offer a “one stop” product for their clients with an emphasis always on providing a hassle-free service.

‘As the European business jet market continues to mature, brand will become even more important in unlocking growth opportunities’ says Stephen Grimes, Ocean Sky CEO.

One of Europe’s fastest growing Private Aviation companies, Ocean Sky, announces extensive refurbishment to their maintenance hangar at London Luton Airport.

The development includes complete excavation, resurfacing and painting of the 46,000 square foot hangar floor and increased tooling to enhance engineering capabilities for Bombardier aircraft by the end of 2012. Additionally, the project will complete Ocean Sky’s Interiors workshop and showroom. To complement the improved facilities, Ocean Sky will also base an additional 8 qualified engineers at Luton by the end of Summer 2012.

This development comes just weeks after the Group announced a new, multi-million pound FBO at London Luton Airport – a major coup.

On the subject of the renovation, Ocean Sky CEO Steve Grimes says: ‘This investment demonstrates Ocean Sky’s commitment to growth. Our brand promise is to offer the very best in private aviation, in each area of our business. The improved facility will ensure that Ocean Sky continues to deliver the first class service and innovations for which we are renowned’.

Since Ocean Sky’s acquisition of the maintenance hangar in May 2010, the Group report a 20% increase in engineering revenue at Luton and confidently project 60% growth over the next 12 months.

Ocean Sky will also be re-launching their website on 11th May. Visit http://www.oceansky.com for more.

Europe’s fastest growing Private Aviation company, Ocean Sky, announces a multimillion pound upgrade of its Fixed Base operation (FBO) at London Luton Airport.

The new development will include a luxurious passenger lounge, improved parking facilities, a concierge service and a large security area for efficient screening. Ocean Sky will also be trebling its apron space and aircraft handling capacity. “We are forecasting a significant increase in turnover at Luton following the new FBO’s opening. With space for up to 30 aircraft, our annual movements will double to more than 9,000 and we expect fuel uplift to exceed 15m litres in the first year of operation’ (Ocean Sky CEO Stephen Grimes).

The new FBO, which will cater for all types of business aircraft from helicopters to long range business jets, will comprise of a 550square metres lounge and 11,000 square metres of apron space. It will occupy a prime site at the airport adjacent to Ocean Sky’s 46,000square foot aircraft maintenance hangar.

Ocean Sky CEO Stephen Grimes comments that ‘developing a State of the art FBO at Luton will cement Ocean Sky’s position as a major player in the European market, with a world class FBO network across the UK and Spain’.

Grimes goes on to say ‘this multimillion pound investment demonstrates Ocean Sky’s commitment to growth. Our brand promise is to offer the very best in business aviation, wherever our clients require it. Our expansion plans are dramatic, diverse and exciting, not just in the UK, but also across Europe and the Middle East’.

The development is scheduled for completion late summer.

Ocean Sky has four further FBOs in Manchester, Scotland Prestwick, Ibiza and Mahon.

Please visit http://www.luchfordapm.com/clientarea.asp to view an artist’s impression of the new facility (usename: oceanskyebace / password: press).

For further information, interview or images please contact:

MaryClare Gribbon/Florinda Carey
at LUCHFORD APM Tel: +44 (0) 20 7631 1000;
mc.gribbon@luchfordapm.com
florinda.carey@lunchfordapm.com

Kamradt says: “I was immediately attracted to Ocean Sky because the group has tremendous growth potential. As someone who has worked extensively with luxury brands, I believe Ocean Sky has exceptional brand pedigree and the potential to become one of the most admired aviation organisations in the world. The group offered me a rare opportunity, combining a talented sales team with a philosophy and breadth of services that resonate strongly with customers who demand the best.

“Ocean Sky has great experience operating large-cabin aircraft, such as the Challenger and Global Express fleets. We will therefore exploit this strength to become the first choice for large-cabin sales and management services. At the same time, we will respond to the needs of the wider European market, so will become increasingly active in the midsize aircraft segment.”

Kamradt joins Ocean Sky from Global Jet Concept SA, where he was senior vice president for international sales, responsible for business development across the company’s aircraft sales, aircraft management and charter activities. Previously, he worked at private aviation operator Jet Republic as sales director for Scandinavia and the Benelux region. Kamradt’s career experience also includes serving as director of global marketing and vice president of EMEA sales at cosmetic research and surgery firm Alvi Armani Medical; brand equity analyst and investment director at US luxury-focused investment firm LLC; and general manager of London-based couturier Isabell Kristensen.

Kamradt holds an MBA from SDA Bocconi School of Management in Milan. In addition to his native Danish, he speaks fluent English, Italian, Spanish, Swedish and Norwegian.

Ocean Sky’s group chief executive Steve Grimes says: “Janus is ideally qualified to drive sales for our aircraft and aircraft management businesses. Not only does he have great experience of business aviation, but his senior experience in other luxury sectors gives him a rounded understanding of what high-net-worth customers require. Janus also shares Ocean Sky’s conviction that brand strength will be a key factor separating the winners from the losers in tomorrow’s business aviation industry. We are delighted to welcome him to our team.”