Portuguese handler OMNI Handling is expanding in local and regional markets, reflecting the strong growth in business aviation over the past 12 months. Already holding a 50 per cent market share in Lisbon, Cascais, Porto and Faro, the company has revamped its brand image and logo and enhanced its website.

“To boost our growth and maintain our leadership, we believe the time is now ripe to widen our offering,” explains CEO Ricardo Pereira. “We have some exciting new projects and territories planned. Top of the agenda is a brand new 150 sqm FBO in Faro and new stations in Santa Maria in the Azores and Madeira.”

Business aviation movements in and out of Portugal have grown 22.2 per cent in the first quarter of 2019, according to WingX data. That period saw over 500 large jet movements. Bombardier Globals topped the list, with 92 departures in the period, representing a 33.3 per cent growth, while Gulfstream G650/G600 departures were up 150 per cent during the first three months of 2019. In the light business aviation category, Pilatus PC-12 movements were up 14 per cent in the first quarter of 2019, delivering a 10 per cent year on year growth.

Faro, capital of the Algarve, is doing especially well with a 10.4 per cent in movements, while Cascais, another main OMNI Handling station, grew 19.5 per cent in the same period. “We want to capitalise on the growth, support our existing customers and attract new ones,” Pereira continues.

Founded in 1998, Omni is present at Lisbon, Oporto, Faro and Cascais stations, and has offered supervised handling in Cape Verde at Sal, Boavista, Praia and São Vicente since 2011 as well as in Angola, Mozambique and São Tomé e Principe since 2019. Employing 29 staff, it is an accredited quality certified executive ground handling agent and an EBAA and BACA member.