
26 Jul Fireblade Aviation invests in improving the pilot and crew experience at its FBO
26 July 2023: Fireblade Aviation, a world-class, private aviation business, has opened a new pilot and crew room at its operations at O.R. Tambo International Airport.
The new facility reinforces Fireblade Aviation’s commitment to the operations, welfare and well-being of its pilots and aircrew, where they can rest, sleep, relax and prepare for their next mission between flights – critical to ensuring safety on board.
“Pilots and crew are important stakeholders in the aviation value-chain. This facility attempts to acknowledge that importance by considering the various needs, which includes flight preparation, dining and relaxation. To ensure safe operations, flight regulations stipulate minimum rest periods which can be achieved at our facility,” said Bradley Stalls – Executive FBO.
Fireblade Aviation prides itself on providing a personalised service coupled with world-class amenities, explained Vera Jackson, Fireblade’s Guest Experience Manager. She added: “We aim to enhance the client experience with a customised and hassle-free travel experience with great amenities.”
The new facility can accommodate several crew members at a time, and includes:
- Three sound-dampened sleeping quarters;
- Refreshment facilities
- Dining Area;
- TV Lounge;
- Shower facilities;
- Microsoft and Apple workstations;
- Printer;
- Wi-Fi;
- Gym; and a
- Gaming area, which includes an arcade machine.
Stalls added: “The safety and comfort of our passengers, and that of pilots and their crew, are our highest priority. The team behind Fireblade Aviation is driven by a passion for aviation and innovation within the industry, and this is what has spurred the investment to provide a premium state-of-the-art facility that is best-in-class on the African continent. We remain committed to safety and wellness, as well as providing the leading edge in aviation services in everything we do.”
David Chandler, CEO of the Avex Air, explains that Avex was the first tenant and continues to be an active operator at Fireblade Aviation. He was impressed by the detailed options that the facility provides regardless of whether the stay is short- or long-term.
“I have also been a pilot for all of my life, so I’ve been in the most spartan conditions to the most luxurious hotels, so I can tell you, this facility provides ample flexibility in terms of the various needs of pilots and crew. Given the quality, detail, design and the thought behind this project, in light of the restricted space that Fireblade had to construct within, I am absolutely confident that Fireblade will continue to be successful in their endeavours going forward.”
Hendrei Vorster, a pilot at Fireblade, and Michael Hall, a pilot at Sobec Aviation, commended Fireblade for placing a strong emphasis on the wellness of pilots and crew.
Ends.
About Fireblade Aviation:
The Leading Edge of private aviation – Fireblade Aviation provides world-class aviation services. With Fireblade Aviation, travelling, flying, operating, and owning an aircraft has never been easier. Based at OR Tambo International Airport, we offer a complete private aviation travel experience with a personal touch and remain the FBO that pilots prefer. Our wide range of amenities and flight services include on-site customs and immigration, private lounges and meeting rooms, dedicated pilot facilities, corporate and leisure charters, FBO, MRO and AOC services, and aircraft management services. For more information, visit: https://www.firebladeaviation.com
Media Contact:
Stacey Turnbull
SWM Communications
Account Manager
stacey@swmcommunications.co.za
+27 72 427 1680
Fireblade Contact:
Sharlenee Moodley
Fireblade
sharlenee.moodley@firebladeaviation.com
+27 83 789 0386