ExecuJet Africa is adding unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) services at its facilities in Cape Town, Johannesburg and Lagos. UAVs, more commonly known as drones, will form an integral part of ExecuJet’s operations, enabling clients to carry out inspections, surveys, mapping and photography in greater detail. They can be deployed to any location on the continent, as required by customers.

Director of aviation in Africa Gavin Kiggen says: “The market for drone technology in the commercial sector has been increasing in recent years and is expected to grow by at least 19 per cent between 2017 and 2020 as the technology becomes more widely utilised. During the Drone Con conference, which ran from 7-9 June in Johannesburg, it emerged from research carried out by Dr Roelof Botha that in South Africa, the drone market is expected to create more than 24,000 jobs by the end of 2018, contributing more than two billion Rand (US$152.9m) to the economy.

“UAVs can be used in various ways, from wind turbine inspections and crop monitoring to covering sporting events and filming for television and movies. Industry experts believe that Africa is one of the most progressive regions when it comes to drone technology.”

ExecuJet will be offering recognition of prior learning (RPL) training to its existing pilots and staff, through its certified South African Civil Aviation Authority partner, to ensure its staff are able to meet client requests and carry them out safely and efficiently.

The operator’s business in the Middle East is also demonstrating grounds for optimism, as MRO business development manager Des Miles explains: “We have been very busy over the past few months in the Middle East. We have two hangars at Dubai International Airport: Hangar 1 has a 96-month, two 48-month and 2,400 hour scheduled inspections being run concurrently on four different aircraft. Hangar 2 is also busy, with back-to-back Embraer Lineage M4/M6 inspections, a 1,200 hour Hawker 4000 inspection and many other smaller events.

“Our highly experienced maintenance teams have accommodated the additional workload with meticulous planning, dedication and efficient work practices. We are now supporting our customers with cabin interior repairs and refurbishments. This work is accomplished with the support of F/List, an OEM interior manufacturer based in Austria, to ensure the highest standards in craftsmanship, quality and finish are achieved. The scheduled maintenance forecast for the next quarter looks very positive.”