IRON MAIDEN Singer BRUCE DICKINSON's CARDIFF AVIATION Signs On To Manage National Carrier For Djibouti

Cardiff Aviation, a large service and maintenance facility in St. Athan, Wales, United Kingdom whose chairman is IRON MAIDEN singer Bruce Dickinson, has signed a Memorandum Of Understanding with Air Djibouti to create and implement a national carrier for the East African nation of Djibouti.

Air Djibouti appointed Cardiff Aviation following a study which identified key markets for the national carrier based on the needs of landlocked neighbouring countries, governmental aid programmes around Africa, the support of military installations currently based in Djibouti, and the need to deliver passengers to major international business hubs such as London and Dubai.

Under the terms of the Memorandum Of Understanding, Cardiff Aviation will implement and manage a European-level AOC for Air Djibouti, source aircraft, and provide world-class operational management for the new African national carrier.

The company will also provide MRO support from its stunning Twin Peaks facilities at St. Athan - Cardiff Airport Aerospace Enterprise Zone, leading to a safe and efficient airline that will transform aviation in East Africa.

Dickinson says: "Djibouti is uniquely placed to provide a hub for investment from Europe, the Middle East and Asia into Africa. By providing full airline support and project implementation to Air Djibouti, Cardiff Aviation will bring a wealth of industry expertise and capability to one of the most exciting aviation markets in the world to spearhead growth in a region with tremendous potential."

Initial operations will take the form of freight transportation, with aircraft already secured for this stage of development. Air Djibouti, however, aims to grow rapidly and be in a position to offer passenger transport to key markets in the very near future. The country intends to replicate its success in port logistics in the aviation sector, with plans to develop four new ports and two new airports to create a complete sea-air cargo network. Djibouti's current transport and logistics infrastructure programme exceeds $14 billion.

Aboubaker Omar Hadi, chairman, Air Djibouti, says: "Cardiff Aviation's unique blend of experience, innovative approach and quality facilities and relationship makes it the perfect support partner for developing a national carrier for our nation. We are looking forward to seeing the outcome of this agreement boost Djibouti's international appeal and promote economic growth."

Cardiff Aviation is a fully approved and certified MRO and pilot training company based at St. Athan -Cardiff Airport Aerospace Enterprise Zone in South Wales, United Kingdom. Operating from a former RAF maintenance base equipped with 6,000ft ILS runway and parking for up to 20 narrow-bodied airliners, Cardiff Aviation can conduct MRO work on aircraft of almost any size, including Boeing 757s and Airbus 320s.

Cardiff Aviation also has two Boeing 747 training simulators and one of just two Sikorsky S-61 helicopter simulators in the world. Customers for the MRO and training facilities include major airlines, European charter operators and principal airline leasing companies.

Photo courtesy of Garnett Keeler PR