South African Fireblade Aviation is to work alongside Swiss Vertis Aviation in marketing a Global 6000, Learjet 45 and AW139 on Fireblade's AOC. Vertis has just opened an office at the Fireblade Aviation FBO in O.R. Tambo international airport, Johannesburg, which it will use as a base to sell flights on the three aircraft.

Dubbed an 'aviation charter branch', the office will support growing demand in the region, and Vertis is the first executive aviation charter business to take up residence at the FBO. The three aircraft on offer have recently joined the Vertis portfolio.

The Johannesburg office will be run by charter sales professional Steve Bennetts, who will be responsible for marketing the exclusive portfolio on behalf of Vertis' operating partners.

The latest branch will be the fourth location for Vertis, now in its fifth year of operation, adding to offices in London, Zug in Switzerland and Dubai. Partner Jeffrey Emmenis comments: “The decision to open an office in South Africa is in line with our overall plan to grow the company internationally. We anticipate that our unique boutique approach, which provides tailored aviation services matching the specific needs of our clients, will be well-received here.

“We now have a presence on three continents that allows us to connect the world from top to bottom.” He hopes to attract heads of state and government officials as well as high net worth individuals.

The 2015 Global 6000 aircraft replaces the existing 2012 Global Express that has been under management in Vertis' portfolio. The 15 passenger, ultra long-range business jet is available for immediate charter. It boasts a cabin that is tall, wide and long and features one four-place club seating area, a five-place seating area as well as a three-place divan with two individual seats. Its range is in excess of 6,000 nm.

The Learjet 45 and AW139 are also available for charter: the eight-seat Learjet is likely to appeal to business clients visiting South Africa's mining areas in the south, while the AW139 will suit clients flying to game parks. Another potential source of business will be from 'interlining' clients who are travelling long haul on commercial airlines in first or business class. Passengers can make connections through the Fireblade FBO facility.

Vertis markets nine long range aircraft including a BBJ, G650, G450, Global 6000, two Airbus ACJ319s, a Global XRS, Global Express and a Falcon 7X.