Belgian services group to assume new identity as it completes fleet reorganisation and rationalisation programme
Belgian aviation services group Westlink is to rebrand itself as the result of a two-year rationalisation programme involving its four divisions.
Westlink was created in October 2000 following the acquisition of Brussels-based Abelag Aviation by Kortrijk-based Sky Service. The group also includes Antwerp Business Flights and Prest'Affair Voyages in Lille, northern France. Chief executive Barth Foucart is set to announce a new common identity this month, in an effort to raise international awareness of the company. The group has recently completed a fleet reorganisation programme and implemented substantial cost-saving measures in a bid to secure co-operation with established European business aviation services groups.
The company fleet and maintenance facilities are now concentrated at its Brussels and Kortrijk bases. Westlink recently closed its fixed-base operation (FBO) at Luxembourg airport, citing a lack of infrastructure development by local government.
Foucart claims the company has reduced costs by around 5-10% over the past two years and points to group buying power with suppliers as an example of where future efficiency gains from the merger will be found. "There are still several areas where we can find more synergies, such as a common information technology system and using electronic dispatch boards," he adds. The group aims to grow revenues by around 2-5% each year, says Foucart.
The company has also completed its aircraft rationalisation programme, disposing of five mixed Embraer turboprops and an older Cessna CitationJet. The company's fleet now consists of four Beech King Air 90/200s, four Citation types, two Bombardier Learjet 35s, one Learjet 45 and a Dassault Falcon 2000. A second Learjet 45 is scheduled for delivery in August.
Westlink has also held talks with a handful of Swiss business aviation services companies with a view to forming FBO partnerships. Foucart says he would only join forces with those companies with an "equally stable history as our 40-year past".
Foucart says the group is likely to take Abelag's name, as the division with the strongest brand.
JUSTIN WASTNAGE / BRUSSELS
Source: Flight International
