MAXIMUS ON A HIGH AS TURNOVER SOARS

Abu Dhabi, 25 May 2008 - Maximus Air Cargo, the Abu-Dhabi headquartered specialist ‘heavy-lifter’ of the airfreight world, more than tripled its turnover during the first four months of this year compared to 2007.

Maximus Air Cargo, the Abu-Dhabi headquartered specialist ‘heavy-lifter’ of the airfreight world, more than tripled its turnover during the first four months of this year compared to 2007. At the same time, aircraft hours sold increased 6.3 times from 471 to 3,062. “We now have a bigger fleet, but the growth is also due to securing a much larger share of the market,” says Maximus president and chief executive Fathi Hilal Buhazza.

Turnover for January-April 2008 was AED 122.77 million, compared to AED 37.80 million for the same period last year. Maximus now has a fleet of eight all-cargo Antonov An-124-100, Airbus A300-600RF, Ilyushin IL-76TD, and Lockheed Hercules L382G aircraft operating across the Middle East, Europe, Africa, and Asia.

With its Airbus freighters, Maximus operates regular scheduled cargo services on behalf of airlines including Etihad, Iberia, Air France, and Sudan Airways. So far this year, the company has also secured additional short and medium term aircraft wetlease contracts.

Maximus has been appointed as the exclusive air relief support partner for the UAE Red Crescent, and is one of the few international carriers able to bring supplies to cycloneravaged Burma. It is also carrying relief aid to China following the devastating earthquake there.

Earlier this year, the carrier moved 800 tons of supplies for a European defence force which is creating a new base in Chad. The cargo was initially shipped by sea to Douala in Cameroon before being air-freighted from there to N’Djamena on 10 flights with Maximus’ Antonov 124 aircraft.

Maximus Air Cargo, the largest freighter-only air operator in the Middle East specialises in moving outsized air cargo and wet leasing its own aircraft with a staff of more than 130.

Its two Lockheed Hercules L382Gs have been specially-upgraded to carry all kinds of super-heavy cargo. It is the only aircraft that can transport oversized and heavy cargo, drop goods from the air, and land on airstrips/ ground of any kind, giving Maximus the advantage of being able to deliver to any location on this planet.

The carrier is focusing on superior customer care when managing air transport requirements and logistics solutions for its clients that include royalty, governments, multinational companies, humanitarian and relief organisations.

Maximus’ philosophy is rooted in offering its customers responsive, practical, and cost effective solutions which combine a personal approach with innovative customer service.