Avcard has formed a UK subsidiary,

known as Avcard Services Ltd. The

London entity will support the

company’s growing presence outside

the US domestic marketplace.

“Technology can only go so far,”

said Linda K. Kropp, Avcard president

and ceo. “We feel the time has come

to put more physical resources within

closer proximity of our

geographically-dispersed clients.”

In a separate but related move,

Avcard has acquired the assets of both

EAFS, a contract fuel provider

established offshore in the Channel

Islands and International Jet Services

Ltd. (IJSL), a flight services and

management company with

operations in London. Following the

transaction, EAFS and IJL have

ceased trading.

Avcard’s London office has been

established to provide all the services

currently available through the

company’s Baltimore, Maryland

headquarters. The flight services

capabilities currently provided by

the UK operation will also be

available through Avcard’s US offices

by mid-February.

Said a spokesman: “From filing

flight plans to handling fuel prearrangements,

Avcard’s operations on

both sides of the Atlantic will be

available 24/7 to meet our

cardholder’s every need with one

phone call. Sales and administrative

support will also be enhanced for

cardholders, fuel suppliers and

merchants, with more staff resources

available during business hours

across multiple time zones.”

Another key advantage, says the

company, is that Avcard Services Ltd

is a registered Value Added Tax (VAT)

entity which will allow it to provide a

VAT-compliant invoice to clients

operating in the European

Community (EU). Consequently, this

will assist clients to quickly file for

VAT refunds on aircraft operations

entitled to reimbursement of VAT.

Avcard is in the process of registration

in all EU countries.

“With the establishment of our

London office, our international

cardholders and aviation fuel &

services providers will also receive a

wider array of billing and payment

options, recognising the growing

importance of our expanding

business outside North America.

Through the new office, Avcard will

be adding billing and payment

options in euros and pounds sterling,

as well as expanding our ability to

expedite funds transfers to our

suppliers located in remote corners of

the world”, added Kropp.

“The combined purchasing

power of the two programmes will

result in more volume for our fuel

suppliers and better prices for

the clients”, stated Warren E. Boin,

junior vice president marketing and

business development.