Air Partner Private Jets

[Tango9]

Latest news in APPJ - as JB leaves

Directorate Change - London Stock Exchange

[flapassym]

Oh god, I know I shouldn't enjoy someone elses misfortune, but it really couldn't happen to a more deserving character.

UYJB.

[northernlightIII]

I used to work at Gold Air and my role was part of a small sales team dedicated to filling the seats of the aircraft. When AP took over it was obvious in a very short time that the man they had put in charge - JB was not capable of running it properly. His ego was bigger than his ability and the many mistakes he made were blamed on everyone else. He pushed out the sales team who bought in quite a few clients then set about having the same effect on the long standing clients and brokers. No doubt the contracts that Gold Air had were washed away.

Arrogance does not wear well in business today and I am sorry for those who have had to bear the brunt of it. I am just glad I got out when I did. I mean fancy saying to someone ‘I have a dark side watch out’ who did he think he was Darth Vader ! What an idiot !

I will say that I know that the company is being purchased by an aviation business which already has considerable operations experience. I cannot say who but the fact is they have the financial clout to keep the place going should they choose. This is all going through as I write this. All is not lost yet at Biggin so I think crews and ops will be ok but for JB the ride is over !

[provo]

I wonder whether JB went voluntarily or whether the Board asked for his resignation. Reputation counts for a lot so it will be interesting to see where he ends up

[Tequilaboy]

Interesting comments....

Anyone have an inkling of whom the potential suitor for APPJ is? Could be a good purchase at the right price. Never been a fan of the L45 but there has to be a market for the lighter cabin outside of the traditional charter patterns at the moment.

Speaking of which, how are our VLJ friends at the moment, Blink et al. Everytime I am down at FAB always seem to see their Mustang there. Nothing malicious or derogatory intended, just wondered how it was all going after all the fanfares......

[x933]

L45's struggled to be competetive over the last 6 months; Excel / XLS operators were being more flexible with the hourly rate so a decent broker could - more often than not - find the Excel / XLS for a better price. Not a brilliant charter aircraft; Groups of 6 people more often than not were taking CJ2's.

Can't comment on Blink et al. Well, I can - but I won't .

[Southern Apron]

I wonder whether JB went voluntarily or whether the Board asked for his resignation. Reputation counts for a lot so it will be interesting to see where he ends up

I would imagine he was politely asked to consider his future by the board. I can't imagine for one minute he would voluntarily hand in his resignation, his arrogance wouldn't allow him to do that.

[learjet50]

re JB

Reading the various comments about JB I must say I am surprised at his change of character.

I have met him on several occations when he was a broker only at Gatwick and I Have not seen him for about 4 Years .

I am sure all your comments are correct as there are so many people who have commented about his arrogance.

Knowing AP I am sure he will be getting a big Fat cheque to go quietly and without a fuss together with a Glowing reference which tells everbody how good he is.

I fell sorry for all the people who are now out of work and who got nothing
I am sure I know some of them from the Gold Air days and I hope the new owners will re-employ them.

Maybe he will go working for Mr Halsted ??

I doubt we will see anything else of JB but you never know as the Toxxers in this industry come back smelling of Roses

Best of luck to the poor sods out of work because of the Idiots running of APPJ



Regards

to all


Gerry X Northern Executive at Manchester

[northernlightIII]

All will be well, the buisness is being sold ! With other aircraft in the new deal also in the mix it should be a sweet deal. Get some good selling going again together with a focus on customer service, new management could work out well for everyone but that smuk JB

Your attitude determines your altitude !

[Dumbledor]

NL, I genuinely hope your sources are correct but the picture your painting is too optimistic for me at the moment. The AOC has gone.

With JB in charge I wonder, out of all the UK brokers, how many were kept on side and how many just boycotted APPJ altogether, like a couple of the major ones..? When the trips dry up you need all of them on side don't you?

D

[Monkey Boy]

I seem to remember that when AP first took over Gold Air there was a thread on here about it. There were many people from within Platinum House bullishly claiming that they didn't need other brokerages as they had more than enough business themselves to keep the Lear's flying. I expect comments like that may not have helped endear them to brokers either.

It often pays to be nice to people on the way up, as you're likely to meet them again on the way down!

[No RYR for me]

Apart from the discussion about the broker vs operator issues. How about the Lear45s versus either a CJ or Excel type of plane? I feel that cost conscious people go for a CJ or Bravo and people who want space go for a Excel or similar.. The lear is just an in between...

[Dumbledor]

'No RYR for me' - A whole different different discussion on a whole different thread methinks.

[eghi r20]

Let’s hope that Northern Lights ‘IS’ in the know, and all the hard working people from Air Partner find themselves in employment again. Good luck to you all.

[northernlightIII]

On GINFO today the Gold Air Lear 40 - looks like part one of the sale process going through for sure.

*********
Potential change of Registered Ownership in progressOwnership Status:CharteredRegistered Owners:AIR PARTNER PRIVATE JETS LTD
C/O ATHERTON BAILEY

[Phil Brockwell]

Is it really a saleable company, if my memory serves, it lost a fair bit of money as Gold Air and as APPJ.

There must be profitable jet companies that would be a much more attractive purchase?

PB

[seaskimmer]

NL is 'WAAAYYYY' behind the drag curve on this I fear, I believe this whole issue is done and dusted and no positive outcome (for the aircrew at least).

[spraydog]

Rumour has it,it is very soon to be up and running again with a certain WC at the helm? Also my have the old name back?

[Lever]

Steph White, ex-CFO - now spending more time with the family

Board changes at Air PartnerBoard changes at Air Partner


The Board of Air Partner plc today announces that Steph White, Chief Financial Officer will stand down from the Board to pursue other interests from 31st July 2010.

Steph White, CFO, commented: “I have had a great time at Air Partner and have many happy memories, but after 27 years with the Group, I am looking forward to pursuing other interests and spending more time with my family.”

Aubrey Adams, Chairman, made the following comments: “Steph has been a long standing employee and Board member of Air Partner and her many years experience with the company have been greatly appreciated. We wish Steph every success in her new endeavours.”

Mark Briffa, Chief Executive Officer, said: “I have worked with Steph for many years at Air Partner, and appreciate the important role she has played in the company. Thanks to her hard work in the recent restructuring of the company, she has helped further position the business for future growth. We wish her well in the future.”

A search process to identify a new CFO is underway and a further announcement will be made in due course. Steph White will make herself available to the Group to facilitate a smooth transition to her successor.

[Southern Apron]

Well, that's a surprise! It would be interesting to see if DS, SW & JB now set up on their own - imagine that