Switzerland-headquartered fuel purchasing service Valcora is opening a new office in Johannesburg, South Africa. The company says the nation's capital city is one of the main hubs for business aviation on the continent, making it the ideal location for its first African venture.

The two-person operation will be responsible for raising the company profile as well as highlighting the benefits of its system across the continent. With Africa home to some of the world's most rapidly expanding economies, the decision to open was informed by the growing need for reliable fuel purchasing options for local, intra- and intercontinental operators and owners. The existing strength of the South African business aviation fleet, the removal of operating restrictions in the skies over east Africa and the growth of the business aviation fleet in countries such as Angola, Ethiopia and Kenya also supported the decision.

Of particular benefit to African operators flying to Europe is Valcora's experience handling the complexities of European taxes. The system automatically calculates fiscal obligations in Europe ensuring customer tax commitments are correctly and fairly determined to optimise operating budgets.

“The growing business aviation sector needs access to easy, international fuel purchasing options to support continued economic growth in Africa,” says CEO Daniel Coetzer. “Johannesburg provides the perfect springboard from which to support this need. South Africa has an established business infrastructure, reliable banking institutions and an excellent pool of people to hire from which will all support our own business growth and enable us to better serve our clients.”

The new office joins a growing network of locations that includes offices in Switzerland, Ireland, Singapore and North America.

As a South African national, Coetzer is committed to raising the standards of fuel purchasing across the continent. “We are very excited to realise the potential in South Africa and beyond, it is an exciting time for business aviation in Africa and we are pleased to play our part in its sustainable growth.”