AirRep opens Italian base

KEVIN MAYHEW
Aviation services group and freighter operator, AirRep, has launched a new Italian subsidiary, establishing a strategic base covering the whole of south-eastern Europe and north Africa.
The new company - AirRep Italy - is a partnership between AirRep and Italian partners, Marcello Marinelli and Raffaele Pignati. Its main activities will be marketing the AirRep Tu204 freighter fleet, AN12s and AN74s. It will also co-ordinate charter flights for IL76 freighters - which can no longer operate into Italy - from Croatia and other EU-bordering states.
Says Marinelli: “Italy is a very attractive base for a new AirRep operation. There is huge potential here for the TU204 aircraft, either as supplemental aircraft for scheduled operators, or for use in the overnight express market.
“Italy is also a natural base for ad hoc charter operations throughout south-eastern Europe. And it has long-established links with Africa, and has frequently been used as a centre for humanitarian relief operations. There is great demand for charter capacity serving many different industries and market sectors, and we believe we can expand Italy’s charter role further by bringing our skills, knowledge and varied aircraft types together here.”
Although AirRep Italy will utilise AirRep’s own aircraft where possible, it will not hesitate to offer other operators’ aircraft, up to the AN124, on a brokerage basis where required. The company will continue its traditional reliance on Russian aircraft types, and is looking at basing one or more of its own aircraft in Italy.
AirRep Group MD, Andy Lewis, adds: “We already have operations in the UK, Scandinavia, Germany and Spain. Italy greatly enhances our European network, and takes us much closer to several key markets, including some that are likely to feature in the next wave of EU membership.”