Smart Aviation Company
Encyclopedia
Smart Aviation Company is a corporate airline operator based in Egypt
. The company launched operations during the second quarter of 2007 from its base in Cairo International Airport
The company, which is partially owned by EgyptAir
, is the first corporate jet operator in the country to cater to businessmen, politicians, executive air travelers and medical services.
In 2009, it expanded its business portfolio to cover medical evacuation in the form of air ambulance operations and in December 2010 will launch commercial passenger operations.
jet aircraft.
The company had signed an agreement with the National Bank of Egypt
for a $45 million loan to fund its operations.
Smart Aviation is a member of Middle East Business Aviation Association (MEBAA) http://www.mebaa.com/MediaCentre/News/tabid/69/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/64/Smart-Aviation-Joins-MEBAA.aspx
Sovereign C-680 aircraft. At Cairo International Airport
they currently operate out of the VIP terminal (Terminal 1 - Hall 4) however in late 2010 the company will open its new executive FBO next to Hall 4. http://www.arabianaerospace.aero/article.php?section=air-transport&article=smart-move-by-business-operator-to-launch-new-airline-atr-and-bombardier-in-the-frame
Services are offered for both domestic and international travel.
In June 2009, Cessna announced that in 2009 Smart Aviation would take delivery of the first two Cessna Citation Sovereign
certified for medical evacuation (medevac) with a dual-patient system from LifePort. The two medevac Sovereigns are part of the original 6-aircraft order. The medevac (air ambulance) mission will be in addition to Smart's regular VIP charter service.
In 2010, the company announced plans to begins commercial passenger operations - see below.
Q400 over the ATR 72-500 after evaluating both 60-70 seater aircraft. The company is expected to announce the Q400 order for 5 aircraft (2 firm and 3 options) in August 2010. The first 2 aircraft will be delivered in late 2010. http://www.arabianaerospace.aero/article.php?section=air-transport&article=smart-move-by-business-operator-to-launch-new-airline-atr-and-bombardier-in-the-frame
The aircraft will be based at Cairo International Airport
and then fly to a day-base like Sharm el-Sheikh International Airport
or Aswan Airport and operate flights from there to key domestic and regional destinations not currently served by other airlines.
The aircraft will be equipped with inflight entertainment for flights longer than 2 hours.
The new airline will use the 'Smart' brand although it will be based out of one of Terminal 1 and not Hall 4 (the current VIP terminal) or the new executive FBO being built for company.
The company is also building a 4,000 sq metre hangar which will incorporate the business jets and new Bombardier
turboprops. The company is working towards Cessna approvals as a repair centre as well as FAA approval. http://www.arabianaerospace.aero/article.php?section=air-transport&article=smart-move-by-business-operator-to-launch-new-airline-atr-and-bombardier-in-the-frame
Egypt
Egypt , officially the Arab Republic of Egypt, Arabic: , is a country mainly in North Africa, with the Sinai Peninsula forming a land bridge in Southwest Asia. Egypt is thus a transcontinental country, and a major power in Africa, the Mediterranean Basin, the Middle East and the Muslim world...
. The company launched operations during the second quarter of 2007 from its base in Cairo International Airport
Cairo International Airport
Cairo International Airport is the busiest airport in Egypt and the primary hub for Star Alliance member EgyptAir. The airport is located to the north-east of the city around from the business area of the city.The airport is administered by the Egyptian Holding Co...
The company, which is partially owned by EgyptAir
EgyptAir
EgyptAir is the flag carrier airline of Egypt and a member of Star Alliance. The airline is based at Cairo International Airport, its main hub, operating scheduled passenger and freight services to more than 75 destinations in the Middle East, Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Americas...
, is the first corporate jet operator in the country to cater to businessmen, politicians, executive air travelers and medical services.
In 2009, it expanded its business portfolio to cover medical evacuation in the form of air ambulance operations and in December 2010 will launch commercial passenger operations.
History
Smart Aviation Company launched operations on 3 May 2007 with a single 10-seater Cessna Citation SovereignCessna Citation Sovereign
|-See also:-External links:* * * * * *...
jet aircraft.
The company had signed an agreement with the National Bank of Egypt
National Bank of Egypt
- in arabic National Bank of Egypt is the oldest and largest bank in Egypt, and has 405 branches within the country, including 131 in Cairo. It has assets of L.E. 185.3 bn., total deposits of L.E. 155.2 bn., and total loans and advances of L.E. 83 bn...
for a $45 million loan to fund its operations.
Smart Aviation is a member of Middle East Business Aviation Association (MEBAA) http://www.mebaa.com/MediaCentre/News/tabid/69/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/64/Smart-Aviation-Joins-MEBAA.aspx
Ownership
Smart Aviation Company has 5 stakeholders:- Civil Aviation Developing and Supporting Fund 60 %
- EgyptAirEgyptAirEgyptAir is the flag carrier airline of Egypt and a member of Star Alliance. The airline is based at Cairo International Airport, its main hub, operating scheduled passenger and freight services to more than 75 destinations in the Middle East, Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Americas...
Holding Company 13.33 % - Egyptian Holding Company for Airports and Navigation (EHCAAN) 10%
- Holding Financing Company of Civil Aviation 6.67 %
- National Company for Navigation Services 6.67 %
Operations
The airline provides clients with the facilities (aircraft and ground services) for corporate, VIP and personal travel from Egypt with a new fleet of Cessna CitationCessna Citation
The Cessna Citation is a marketing name used by Cessna for its line of business jets. Rather than one particular model of aircraft, the name applies to several "families" of turbofan-powered aircraft that have been produced over the years...
Sovereign C-680 aircraft. At Cairo International Airport
Cairo International Airport
Cairo International Airport is the busiest airport in Egypt and the primary hub for Star Alliance member EgyptAir. The airport is located to the north-east of the city around from the business area of the city.The airport is administered by the Egyptian Holding Co...
they currently operate out of the VIP terminal (Terminal 1 - Hall 4) however in late 2010 the company will open its new executive FBO next to Hall 4. http://www.arabianaerospace.aero/article.php?section=air-transport&article=smart-move-by-business-operator-to-launch-new-airline-atr-and-bombardier-in-the-frame
Services are offered for both domestic and international travel.
In June 2009, Cessna announced that in 2009 Smart Aviation would take delivery of the first two Cessna Citation Sovereign
Cessna Citation Sovereign
|-See also:-External links:* * * * * *...
certified for medical evacuation (medevac) with a dual-patient system from LifePort. The two medevac Sovereigns are part of the original 6-aircraft order. The medevac (air ambulance) mission will be in addition to Smart's regular VIP charter service.
In 2010, the company announced plans to begins commercial passenger operations - see below.
New Commercial Airline Subsidiary
In April 2010, the airline revealed plans to launch a new subsidiary dedicated to commercial scheduled and charter passenger services to complement its existing corporate service business. In July 2010 the company selected the BombardierBombardier Aerospace
Bombardier Aerospace is a division of Bombardier Inc. and is the third-largest airplane manufacturer in the world. It is headquartered in Dorval, Quebec, Canada.- History :...
Q400 over the ATR 72-500 after evaluating both 60-70 seater aircraft. The company is expected to announce the Q400 order for 5 aircraft (2 firm and 3 options) in August 2010. The first 2 aircraft will be delivered in late 2010. http://www.arabianaerospace.aero/article.php?section=air-transport&article=smart-move-by-business-operator-to-launch-new-airline-atr-and-bombardier-in-the-frame
The aircraft will be based at Cairo International Airport
Cairo International Airport
Cairo International Airport is the busiest airport in Egypt and the primary hub for Star Alliance member EgyptAir. The airport is located to the north-east of the city around from the business area of the city.The airport is administered by the Egyptian Holding Co...
and then fly to a day-base like Sharm el-Sheikh International Airport
Sharm el-Sheikh International Airport
Sharm el-Sheikh International Airport , formerly known as Ophira International Airport, is an international airport located in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt...
or Aswan Airport and operate flights from there to key domestic and regional destinations not currently served by other airlines.
The aircraft will be equipped with inflight entertainment for flights longer than 2 hours.
The new airline will use the 'Smart' brand although it will be based out of one of Terminal 1 and not Hall 4 (the current VIP terminal) or the new executive FBO being built for company.
New Facilities
In 2010 the company will open its new executive FBO next to Terminal 1 Hall 4 where it currently use the VIP facility of Hall # 4.The company is also building a 4,000 sq metre hangar which will incorporate the business jets and new Bombardier
Bombardier Aerospace
Bombardier Aerospace is a division of Bombardier Inc. and is the third-largest airplane manufacturer in the world. It is headquartered in Dorval, Quebec, Canada.- History :...
turboprops. The company is working towards Cessna approvals as a repair centre as well as FAA approval. http://www.arabianaerospace.aero/article.php?section=air-transport&article=smart-move-by-business-operator-to-launch-new-airline-atr-and-bombardier-in-the-frame
Services
- Business Jets
- Air Ambulance
- VIP Handling
- Catering
- Engineering & Maintenance
- Scheduled passenger services (from December 2010)
Fleet
The Smart Aviation fleet consists of the following aircraft (September 2011):| Aircraft | In service | Order | Options | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cessna Citation Sovereign Cessna Citation Sovereign |-See also:-External links:* * * * * *... |
5 | 1 | 0 | Delivery in 2011 |
| King Air 350i | 1 | 0 | 0 | |
| Bombardier Dash 8 Q400 NextGen | 2 | 0 | 3 | Aircraft for new passenger airline operation. Delivery: 1x October 2010 |
| Total | 7 | 2 | 3 |