Press Release

Issued by .

August 25, 2009

Catherine Gaisenband, Founder and CEO of Assistair Business Aviation Handling, has announced the launch of a new aviation company, Developair.  Based at Cannes Mandelieu airport the business will initially operate in the Cote D'Azur Area, before expanding into other markets. Completely independent from Assistair,  Developair is a management consultancy specialising in providing a specific variety of services including handling supervision and concierge services to the private aviation industry.

With over 20 years of experience in aviation Catherine is keen to emphasise this is not just another handling company. "We are looking to complement existing services at Cannes Mandelieu and in other parts of Europe" she says. Whether a company is interested in achieving the ISO status, wants to improve its quality of service levels, needs support to improve efficiency of cleaning, or simply wants someone to focus on concierge type offerings Developair will be able to offer this. "The company has been created in response to market demand and will add an extra level of depth to existing handling services so ensuring the aviation client has a better travel experience" she continues.

Clients are likely to include private jet companies looking for specific services not generally available through FBOs, brokers who require local knowledge of destinations, along with local residents who may need extra arrangements made above and beyond the regular handling services. Clients will be charged on an a la carte system depending on their individual requirements. "Consulting with a company on how to manage the ISO application process will have a completely different payment structure than an FBO client that requires support with onward travel arranging" stated Catherine.

The Developair offices will initially operate from Cannes but with an eye to extending the offering into Spain where Assistair is already well established as an aviation handling company, and later on Italy. "This is a natural extension of the FBO business and offers clients an expanded product range. The concierge element particularly will provide a full range of services as diverse as super car rental,  yacht charter,  and accommodation provision" she added.

Anticipated to begin operating in early 2010, the Cannes base was selected because of its strategic importance in the VIP executive jet market and its central position in the Mediterranean corridor stretching from Olbia, through to Marbella and Gibralta. The proximity of Nice also makes Cannes an attractive base form which to operate the newly formed Developair business.

"I think I must be a little bit crazy to set up a new company like this now" Catherine comments "but the opportunity has arisen, start up costs are relatively low,  and as I enjoy the passion of a new challenge, and there is a gap in the market, now is a good time to move". Existing relationships between Assistair and Cannes Mandelieu have ensured a smooth course for the development of Developair as the airport has been very supportive and recognises the need for this extra level of service for its VIP clients. Umberto Vallino Marketing Director of Cannes Airport said "We are very much looking forward to the collaboration with Developair as it reflects the expansion plans of Cannes. With the increasing number of private jets travelling through the airport it is essential we have the best services for this important market and with an innovative company such as Developair we can ensure that passengers receive this."