[Steve Jones]

From another board:

Australia’s first widebody charter airline in it for the long-haul

A leading Australian air charter company will launch the country’s first widebody charter airline this month.

Strategic Aviation Group executive director Michael James said that at a time when many airlines faced turbulence, Strategic was taking the logical next step with the launch of its new charter airline – Strategic Airlines.

“In the current economic climate, our proven ability to rise above those conditions is a signal we have the formula right,’’ Mr James said.
“Our solutions-oriented approach, together with the flexibility to adapt to client and economic conditions, have been a major reason for Strategic’s success.’’

Mr James said the airline launch - at the Nikon Indy 300 on October 23 - would build on the company’s continued growth in recent years.“We’re responsive, innovative and able to respond and adapt to market conditions and it is this experience we will take with us into our new venture.’’

Strategic Aviation, a division of the Strategic Aviation Group,is a major sponsor of this year’s Nikon Indy 300 on Queensland’s Gold Coast, as well as the aviation solution provider for the event.

The company will bring 26 Indy cars from America to Australia ahead of the event, which runs from 23-26 October.

Strategic Airlines will use the Airbus A330-300 – the largest member of the twin-engine A330 series – when it takes to the skies from late 2009.
The airline’s launch will be the start of a year-long program across the Strategic Aviation Group to ensure the company continues its successful growth in the aviation industry.

“Our new airline will be a full charter airline that will also offer leasing options to airline operators around the world,” Mr James said.
“This will include the ability to fully operate leased aircraft on their behalf with Australian crews."