GroupEAD and Airways NZ sign joint venture contract
28 March 2014: GroupEAD and Airways New Zealand have taken a further step towards the launch of the first aeronautical
information management (AIM) company in the Asia Pacific region, with final agreements being signed in Madrid.
The joint venture, which intends to commence operations on 1 July 2014, will provide next-generation AIM and Airport
Data Quality services across the region, enabling aeronautical information of a considerably higher quality and
accessibility than is generally available today, and enhancing safety and efficiency of aviation in the region. It will
also offer an advanced and integrated procedure design service, including services based on modern Performance Based
Navigation (PBN) technology.
Russell Hulstrom, General Manager Airways Global Services, said that the contract signing was an important milestone in
the company’s creation.
“Our team have been working closely with our European partners to bring us to this stage, and we are looking forward to
the official launch and operational startup of this company in the middle of this year,” he said.
“GroupEAD’s services will be of immense value to industry in this part of the world as we work through the
transformation towards System Wide Information Management,” said Mr Hulstrom.
Heinz-Michael Kraft, CEO of GroupEAD, who also signed the contract, explained that aeronautical information management
is quickly changing the way the aviation industry operates, with a new focus on the whole information picture rather
than the provision of standard products in a pre-flight briefing to the pilot.
He said that the new joint venture offers support to regions, states, airports and airlines needing to improve their
data distribution and meet the new ICAO standards.
“The signing of these agreements marks one of the most important steps GroupEAD has ever taken since the company was
established more than 10 years ago. With this joint venture a cornerstone is set, to bring GroupEAD products and
services closer to the fastest growing geographical area in our market – Asia-Pacific. This will be beneficial for both
the AIM community and GroupEAD, while the efficiencies our services bring will provide enormous advantages for pilots
and airlines,” said Mr Kraft.
GroupEAD and Airways will jointly attend the CANSO Asia Pacific conference from 5-7 May in Sri Lanka, where the new
partners will be available to discuss their aeronautical information management services. Airways is the lead sponsor of
the CANSO conference.
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