Ireland’s ASL Aviation Group is simplifying its image by renaming its four European carriers ASL Airlines. Under the new branding system, the names will be as follows:
- Air Contractors will become ASL Airlines Ireland;
- Europe Airpost will be named ASL France;
- Farnair Switzerland will be called ASL Airlines Switzerland; and
- Farnair Hungary will become ASL Airlines Hungary.
Additionally each of the four locations will be a 'center of excellence.' The ASL Group, which employs 1,500 people globally, will retain its base headquarters in Swords, County Dublin, led by group CEO Hugh Flynn.
The four European brands operate throughout Europe for the benefit of leading express freight integrators, and for postal services in France and the U.K. They operate from hubs in France and Germany, flying as far south as Greece and as far north as Norway. ASL’s total fleet of 100 or so aircraft, depending on lease arrangements, will operate as ASL Airlines. About 75 of those aircraft are in Europe, and some will sport ASL Airline’s new livery.
ASL is also expanding its global reach through its interests in Safair in South Africa, cargo airlines K-Mile in Thailand and QuickJet in India. In the first week of May, ASL increased its shareholding in QuickJet to 72.6 percent. A center of excellence in South Africa will ensure the continued growth in Safair, the specialist humanitarian Hercules operator, and FlySafair, South Africa’s first low-cost carrier launched in October 2014, as well as the two airlines in Asia.
'Our intent is to have a new, strong, single brand that will play a major role in helping us to achieve our vision and mission and reflect our corporate values in our business,' Flynn said.
The current CEO of Air Contractors, Colin Grant, will become chief executive of the European brands and will be based in Dublin. The current CEO of Safair, Dave Andrew, will become chief executive of the new Rest of the World Airlines and leasing division. He will be based between Johannesburg and Dublin.
Source: AirCargoWorld