UAS is a global aviation solutions provider serving clients all over the world. We’re a one-stop-shop for all aviation needs, including trip support, executive travel, air charter, and aviation technology. I and UAS’ three other co-founders established the company in 2000 with a mission to serve places other providers had not been able to reach before; this we have accomplished. Today our mission has evolved, and we’re focused on completely transforming the international business flight user experience in terms of simplicity, luxury, and cost and time efficiency. We’re taking all the competencies we’ve built to a new level to set a new industry standard.
Covid -19 was an unprecedented situation we found ourselves in this year with economies at a standstill. Countries locked down, movement restrictions changing daily, entry and health screening rules differing worldwide – everything we knew changed almost overnight. The biggest challenge for aviation was and remains is the fact that every country has its own rules and there is no global (or sometimes regional) standardization of regulations. There is no global aviation joint action plan as pandemic control is being handled differently in each country. This, teamed with the complicated multi-faceted nature of business aviation, generally has presented a challenge to our industry that mirrors the challenge COVID-19 has presented to our health. The only solution to facilitate smooth business and general aviation operations is more international standardization. Only a joint approach will help to make business travel possible and keep the borders open during a similar situation in the future – while keeping the pandemic under control. From UAS’ viewpoint, we can advocate for this, and we are. Besides that, we must remain positive and continue to mitigate bad situations and overcome the challenges that face us.
The pandemic time wasn’t a change as much as a new emphasis on a well-practiced attitude that UAS embraces- adaptation and flexibility. We always focus on evolving to suit the business and operating environment we find ourselves in. In fact, evolution is a pillar of our business strategy. To paraphrase a well-known quote, “stand still and you are history”. Our purpose was to solve problems for our clients, making their jobs and lives easier, more efficient, and more comfortable. So, with that in mind, we intuitively understand that adapting to current circumstances and situations and doing it well is vital to our purpose. Becoming more flexible when required is tantamount to our success. In the context of 2020, we, like every other business, found ourselves facing immense challenges – operational restrictions for travel around the planet meant that flight planning became a very different exercise. In all the regions we have headquarters and offices (America, Africa, Asia, and the Middle East) we have some of the most competent aviation veterans working in our operations departments. However, they found themselves facing barriers that never existed before. But by adapting and becoming more flexible and innovative in their approach, they still got the job done. We supported a litany of repatriation and evacuation flights, enabling people to return to their home countries during lockdown situations. This was incredibly challenging, but where there’s a will, there’s a way. In similar conditions, we ensured that medical cargo and emergency supplies in high demand got where they needed to be. All our results were positive, and I’m exceptionally proud of the work of our global team. I firmly believe that with the right people and the right attitude, anything can be accomplished.
When a client approaches us, we listen to what they need and what they are concerned about, their budget, their sensitivities, etc. From this, we design a totally bespoke solution that may or may not encompass a number of services we provide, or maybe just one. Every day we are innovating and there are opportunities to go beyond what we have done before. Even amidst the pandemic, opportunities exist to provide a service that satisfies clients’ desire for the safest, most sanitary travel conditions possible. Internally, we are still developing our technology suite UAS Evolution® with an objective to make all aspects of trip planning and management faster, easier, and more cost-effective. Regarding the international business aviation market, it is recovering well; we already see positive signs. It’s ok if recovery is slow; the main thing is that it is sustainable.
Right now, we’re focusing on taking business flight to a new level and setting a new standard in terms of what clients can expect from every stage of their mission, in terms of quality and service and regardless of the operating environment or the movement restrictions that may exist. We will also continue to grow our global network by forming powerful alliances in places where demand is high and forming mutually-beneficial relationships with strategic partners globally and maintaining our network of best-in-class suppliers as well as continuing to invest in VVIP supervision services at our international stations. Another top priority will be sustainability. All in all, our aim is to consistently improve UAS’ innovation, quality, and sustainability standards far and wide.
