Evergreen Apple Nigeria (EAN) is celebrating a successful 12-months of operations since the opening of its new business aviation facility last year. The facilities and services, which include a VIP lounge, ground handling, exclusive dispatching, secured hangar and apron parking and aircraft maintenance services for executive jets, represent the first private FBO facility in Nigeria located immediately adjacent to Lagos Murtala Mohammed International Airport.

EAN has seen a steady increase in business aviation movements since the opening of its multi-million dollar facility. In the six months from July to December 2011, EAN handled 478 movements, with that figure increasing to 976 movements between January to June 2012, representing a remarkable 104% increase. Average daily movements are between 10 and 12 but the facility has easily coped with considerably more at busier times.

The EAN FBO has been very well received by corporate travellers. The terminal provides 14,900 square meters of luxurious facilities with a fresh, modern design providing state-of-the-art amenities for passengers and crews alike, including a 24-hour VIP lounge and recently upgraded short stay accommodation and crew lounge.

The Nigerian business jet market has seen significant growth over the last few years, said Segun Demuren, CEO of EAN. The increased number of flights has encouraged demand for premium services and our customers appreciate EAN's attention to detail and our assurance of maximum privacy, safety and discretion. In order to support the increase in business growth EAN has developed from a team of 11 to a team of 39 over the past twelve months and anticipates further growth as the business continues to expand.

Expansion in Hangar Activity

Hand-in-hand with developments in the passenger terminal, EAN has also expanded its hangar facilities, which are now home to nine base clients and about 15 frequent visitors. The company has invested in ground handling and maintenance equipment, including a tow tug, several tow bars in various sizes, GPU, tool boxes and lavatory equipment. In addition, a new tyre, brakes and battery shop has been fully equipped and opened. All line maintenance for EASA registered aircraft is carried out by EAN partner MCM.

Jet Club

EAN's Jet Club guarantees premium services at every level. For base clients, EAN offers a platinum and a gold package, both of which reward members by providing them with guaranteed services. For platinum members, hangarage is guaranteed. For frequent and one time visitors, the Gold Jet Club ensures the very best of care for a one-time stop over.

Wings In-Flight and Wings Restaurant

In Spring this year EAN launched Wings In-Flight, the first and only dedicated executive in-flight catering service available at Lagos Murtala Mohammed International Airport . EAN already manages Wings Restaurant on the penthouse floor of the Hangar Jet Center. The business has already developed a growing international customer base with 14 different private jets already ordering regularly and others beginning to make requests. Clients include leading aviation names including Vistajet, Avjet Corporation, Hangar 8 and Elit Avia.

We are delighted to mark our first year of operations and are committed to providing value added services to our clients, comments Demuren about the first year. Over the next twelve months we are focused on expansion plans into Abuja the Federal Capital Territory and Port Harcourt the oil capital of Nigeria.

Contributed by Evergreen Apple Nigeria