The aviation company that helped keep Libya's vital oil industry functioning during the United Nations sanctions is turning to the corporate aviation charter market to boost its activities.
Air Jamahiriya, until recently known as the Light Air Company, is refurbishing a Gulfstream II, which it hopes to have in service for charter work early next year. The aircraft has been grounded for several years due to a spares shortage.
The company operates a Dassault Aviation Falcon 20 and has a second awaiting refurbishment once the Gulfstream work is completed. All three aircraft were operated by the Libyan Government until late 1997.
The operator sees excellent prospects for charter work in Libya. The lifting of sanctions has brought a flood of Western corporations to the country in search of business in sectors such as energy and transportation.
Air Jamahiriya chairman Meftah Zaidan is focusing on the oil sector for most of the work and has a long-term contract with Italian company Agip. He sees wider opportunities for ad hoc charters in Africa.
The operator has ambitious plans to expand into the airline business now that it has had restrictions on its operations lifted by the Tripoli government.
The company started as a training club, operating Cessna and Socata singles. When sanctions started in 1992, the operation had grown to 12 de Havilland Twin Otters and two Swearingen Merlins. It now operates nine Twin Otters and a single Merlin. The second Merlin should return to flying next year.
Source: Flight International
