MAXIMUS AIR'S REPUTATION IN ASIA-PACIFIC REGION GETS A BOOST WITH AWARD

Abu Dhabi, 6th September 2012 – Maximus Air’s efforts to spread its wings beyond the Middle East region – in search of greater business opportunities in Asia-Pacific – were boosted by receipt of the airline’s latest award last weekend.

At the inaugural Payload Asia Awards 2012 held at the Pan Pacific Hotel in Singapore, Maximus Air was presented with the ACMI/Charter Operator of the Year by Yap Ong Heng, Director-General of Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS)

Speaking at the awards gala Mr Yap noted the current challenging nature of the global air cargo market, adding that the overall outlook remains optimistic, especially in the Asia-Pacific which is projected to grow faster than the rest of the world.

“The stronger air cargo growth projected for the Asia-Pacific is in line with the shift in economic gravity to Asia – the next economic powerhouse. The rising affluence of Asia’s rapidly growing middle-class and the increasing business activities in Asia will drive more air cargo movements within the region,” Mr Yap said. “It is important that companies involved in the air cargo business continue to adapt to change and pursue excellence.”

It was a view shared by Fathi Hilal Buhazza, President and CEO of Maximus Air an all-cargo airline that has been quick to adapt to change; having only last week announced the consolidation of its European operation in Ukraine in order to provide a more effective solution for customers.

“We have also had a keen eye on Asia-Pacific region,” he said, “where Abu Dhabi's development of infrastructure combined with Asia-Pac’s rapid economic growth provides real potential for a range of cargo and logistics activity in the fields of construction to manufacturing – as well as a whole plethora of business opportunities in between.”

“Taking advantage of strong demand from Asia for imports and exports, we have been actively seeking for many months now to leverage the UAE’s strategic position to serve this trading route, not only inbound to the region but on to Africa.”

“Receipt of this latest award is an honour and serves to strengthen our standing in this fast-growing and competitive market,” adds Buhazza. “We also echo Mr Yap’s observation that ‘Companies must therefore be nimble and innovative to further grow and achieve even more. This includes enhancing service offerings, re-designing processes and using technologies to raise competitiveness, productivity and service standards.’

“All these elements form part of our latest five year strategy and are integral to us maintaining our upward growth while steadily becoming more international. Along this path, the company has been eager to not only increase its geographical footprint but also its business mix as well,” he said.