ExecuJet Africa is partnering with international risk management company MS Risk to offer emergency response plans for clients with staff based at remote locations in Africa. The company launched the service, called Urgent Response Plan, at the Mining Indaba 2013 show in Cape Town.

ExecuJet and MS Risk will work with clients' human resources and safety managers to develop evacuation plans for those companies who do not currently have one in place, or integrate services into an existing programme. The plan will also include intelligence reporting, remote site visits, ground and air service options, and logistics coordination.

"We've had an increase in requests from companies to urgently extract key foreign staff based in remote locations within Africa, which led us to launch this service with MS Risk.

"An evacuation exercise requires thorough planning well in advance to integrate the air service with other logistics involved, and this is beyond the scope of most other air service providers," says Chris Frost, business development manager for flight operations at ExecuJet.

"The Urgent Response Plan was well received at the show. In light of recent events in Africa, corporations have an increased awareness of these issues and there is a demand for this service within the mining sector."

ExecuJet also showcased a range of other aviation services at the show, including aircraft and helicopter charter flights, scheduled services to remote locations and air cargo operations.

The company's global charter fleet now includes three helicopters from South Africa's Acher Aviation; a Bell 407, an Agusta 109 Power and an EC130, plus access to other models.

"We recognise the delivery and transportation issues related to mining and have identified rotary wing aircraft as a cost-effective option for mining companies to improve their efficiency and enhance safety," says Mike Clark, director of flight operations.

ExecuJet Africa operates a number of aircraft to and from the mining areas in Africa and views helicopter charter as essential when transporting mining personnel between sites, particularly those with basic or non-existent landing strips. Rotary wing support services include seismic survey operations, vip aviation support, oil pipeline inspections and security surveillance support.