Press Release

Issued by Lombard Aviation.

September 3, 2009

APEM Ltd, an environmental consultancy which specialises in aerial surveys, has taken delivery of a new £370k aircraft, funded by Lombard, the asset finance arm of The Royal Bank of Scotland.

The company has purchased a Vulcanair Observer, a six seat plane that has specifically been designed for aerial observation and surveillance work. The Italian built aircraft has a maximum speed of 370 KM per hour and a maximum range of almost 1,600 km. It will be based at Leeds / Bradford Airport.

APEM was established in 1987 and employs 50 people across its three laboratories in Heaton Mersey, Oxford and Dorset. The consultancy specialises in aquatic sciences, particularly the study and management of freshwater and marine habitats. Its aerial work includes surveys of rivers, lakes and in-shore and offshore marine areas for clients such as the Environment Agency, water & power companies, conservation agencies and planners & developers.

The aerial surveys are used on a wide variety of projects which range from understanding the impact of wind power to identifying obstructions to fish migration and changes to coastal shorelines caused by erosion.

Dr Keith Hendry, Managing Director of APEM, said: "We are very pleased to acquire the Vulcanair Observer as the aircraft is specifically designed for the observation-type work we undertake. The aircraft has been fitted with the latest in Geographic Information System software and we believe this will be a real benefit to both new and existing clients."

Lombard in Manchester provided funding for the aircraft. Relationship Manager Andrew Bailey commented: "APEM are a successful, niche consultancy and are dedicated to providing their clients with the best possible results. To ensure they do this they are keen to invest in technology and we are happy to help them acquire the Vulcanair aircraft."