Riyadh, Saudi Arabia-based charter operator Alpha Star has appointed global trip support solutions provider UAS International Trip Support (UAS) as its preferred partner.

Alpha Star operates domestic and international scheduled and charter services, as well as offering turnkey solutions in aircraft management, air ambulance and airport management. Under the strategic partnership, UAS will ensure Alpha Star receives priority ITP, handling and pricing at all global destinations and take care of its fleet of 19 aircraft.

Alpha Star CEO Abdulnasser Alkheraif says: “It is the proudest moment for Alpha Star to collaborate with UAS, a regional business partner in the Middle East that will enable us to perfect our flight planning with peace of mind that we can solicit industry-trusted support services through UAS to carry our operations to sustain our VIP customer's satisfaction and trust.”

The operator has also selected Honeywell to provide a maintenance service plan for auxiliary power units, avionics and mechanical components on its Gulfstream G450 fleet. The contract expansion provides Alpha Star with financial control and secures a hassle-free experience through an OEM network of approved facilities.

Under the agreement, Honeywell will maintain five Gulfstream G450 aircraft over a five year period. Alpha Star currently utilises satellite communications via Honeywell Forge across its fleet, providing support infrastructure to ensure all aspects of the cabin network, satcom equipment and ground network deliver continuous flow of data. Honeywell has also previously supported the aircraft on a service plan that covered parts and labour.

“Honeywell's maintenance service plan enables us to accurately allocate a budget and plan for aftermarket repair and maintenance, both unplanned and scheduled maintenance, in advance,” says Alkheraif.

“Maintenance service plans help remove the financial uncertainty from future repairs and maintenance. We are proud to provide customers like Alpha Star with customisable maintenance options that keep aircraft operating efficiently while making it easy for our customers to control the unexpected,” says Honeywell senior director, business aviation Nadya Krisko.