Mining, oil and gas is leading to African business aviation growth says Hangar8

This mainly involves the need for senior executives to visit difficult to reach mining and drilling sites. In the past three months, its charter business has seen an increase in enquiries from the mining sector of up to 25% when compared to the same period last year, the company said.
Dustin Dryden, Chief Executive Officer of Hangar8, said: “2013 was a difficult year for the mining sector, with its top 40 companies by market cap seeing net profits plunge 72% to a decade low of US$20 billion Mining stocks also dropped 23% to US$280 billion.
“However, many commentators believe that the worst is over and there will be disciplined growth and investment during 2014. In line with this, we have certainly seen an increase in enquiries from oil and gas and mining companies looking to lease and charter our aircraft.
“Hangar8 is already a preferred supplier to some of the world’s leading players in this field and we are delighted to see that our experience in servicing this industry is recognised by so many of the top companies.
Many mines and drilling sites are in difficult to reach places serviced by poor infrastructure. Business aircraft can be useful for reaching these areas because they can land on short runways, for example.
Analysis by Hangar8 reveals that 81% of runways in Africa for example, are short or unpaved.
Hangar8 is the only aircraft management company listed on the London Stock Exchange. It offers aircraft management, charter, sales, leasing and engineering services. Hangar8 manages over 50 aircraft and has bases in West Africa, Europe, and Asia.