GroupEAD and Airways NZ sign joint venture contract

GroupEAD and Airways New Zealand have taken a further step towards the launch of the first aeronautical information management (AIM) company in the Asia Pacific region, with final agreements being signed in Madrid.

The joint venture, which intends to commence operations on 1 July 2014, will provide next-generation AIM and Airport Data Quality services across the region, enabling aeronautical information of a considerably higher quality and accessibility than is generally available today, and enhancing safety and efficiency of aviation in the region. It will also offer an advanced and integrated procedure design service, including services based on modern Performance Based Navigation (PBN) technology.

Russell Hulstrom, General Manager Airways Global Services, said the contract signing was an important milestone in the company’s creation.

“Our team have been working closely with our European partners to bring us to this stage, and we are looking forward to the official launch and operational startup of this company in the middle of this year,” he said.

“GroupEAD’s services will be of immense value to industry in this part of the world as we work through the transformation towards System Wide Information Management,” said Mr Hulstrom.

Heinz-Michael Kraft, CEO of GroupEAD, who also signed the contract, explained that aeronautical information management is quickly changing the way the aviation industry operates, with a new focus on the whole information picture rather than the provision of standard products in a pre-flight briefing to the pilot.

He said that the new joint venture offers support to regions, states, airports and airlines needing to improve their data distribution and meet the new ICAO standards.

“The signing of these agreements marks one of the most important steps GroupEAD has ever taken since the company was established more than 10 years ago. With this joint venture a cornerstone is set, to bring GroupEAD products and services closer to the fastest growing geographical area in our market – Asia-Pacific. This will be beneficial for both the AIM community and GroupEAD, while the efficiencies our services bring will provide enormous advantages for pilots and airlines,” said Mr Kraft.

GroupEAD and Airways will jointly attend the CANSO Asia Pacific conference from 5-7 May in Sri Lanka, where the new partners will be available to discuss their aeronautical information management services.  Airways is the lead sponsor of the CANSO conference.

Ends