WE ARE UNITED | 07
FROM THE
UNITED CHARTER
SERVICES GROUP HQ — S 25º 56' 06.00"
E 027º 55’ 32.38"
Dear Reader,
Elevation 1,372m —
On behalf of all the staff and management at United Charter Services
aircraft mechanics, “Hoepel” Schmidt and Allan Webb. The business
Group, we wish you a warm welcome to the Third Edition of our
commenced as a flying school and air charter business and was based
publication, United Maverick, themed In Love with Africa!
at Youngsfield, Cape Town.
In this edition, our writers, illustrators, and photographers take you
Owenair acquired a Piper Aircraft dealership early on and procured
on a magical journey through Africa which includes its vibrant people
three Piper Cub aircraft. These aircraft were used to provide pilot
and locations and they explore the powerhouse of Africa, the mining
training for civilians. Before long, Owenair grew to become the second-
sector. We are delighted to be focussing the spotlight on this incredible
largest private aviation company in South Africa, providing a range of
continent, one that we proudly call our home.
aviation services, which included pilot training, air charter services, air
2016 has thus far, been an incredibly exciting year for us at United Charter Services! We began with United Charter Services being
ambulance flying services, aircraft sales (Cessna and Piper dealerships) and aircraft management and maintenance services.
awarded the Air Ambulance contract for International SOS, one of
At one stage, Owenair had a scheduled airline route from Cape
the worlds leading assistance companies. Our contract went live on
Town via Springbok to Luderitz! This scheduled service opened up
1 July 2016 and a fleet of Hawker business jets have been converted
the remote town of Luderitz and we understand that Owenair also
into dedicated Air Ambulances to support this contract. We are
delivered cargo consisting of items that were in short supply at the
extremely proud to be the exclusive Air Ambulance service provider to
time, such as pasteurized cow’s milk, fresh fruit, urgent car spares, and
International SOS for the Sub-Saharan Africa region, and look forward
even a wedding dress that was flown back to Cape Town for urgent
to applying our operational expertise, thus allowing International SOS
alterations! Life-saving air ambulance flights were also undertaken,
to deliver critical care to their clients.
without which lives would have been lost.
United Flight Support is now entering it’s fourth year of operations
The legacy of Owenair secures its place in history as a founding
and continues to provide exceptional Flight Support Services to many
member of business aviation in South Africa, and its members can
domestic and international clients. United Flight Support is an integral
only be described as aviation pioneers. We are sure that the company’s
part of the Group and ensures that all aspects of operating our aircraft
founders would be proud of the business as it stands today, that is, one
around the world are arranged efficiently and professionally. Our team
of Africa’s most trusted business aviation operators.
is ably led by Clinton Moodley who has over 20 years’ experience in
United Aircraft Services Group are honoured to be the owners of
both domestic and international markets, and who has visited all but
Owenair and we wish Owenair, its staff, and management our heartfelt
two countries in Africa to personally establish relationships with the
birthday wishes on this very special occasion!
aviation authorities and on-the-ground handling companies. We also celebrate a very special event within the group as Owenair
We wish you a pleasant journey through this edition of United Maverick, with blue skies and safe travels.
turns 70 this year! Without a doubt, Owenair is one of the oldest commercial aircraft operating companies in the world. It was incorporated in 1946 by
Our Warm Regards,
Col. Owen Glynn Davies, a decorated World War II South African Air Force Pilot, former Commanding Officer of No. 60 Squadron and
Jonathan Wolpe
David Howarth
one of the first South African Airways pilots. Col. Davies established
Chief Executive Officer
Managing Director
Owenair shortly after the end of World War II along with two senior
United Charter Services Group
United Charter Services Group
