Private jet firm called to rescue Egypt's stranded

Stranded in Egypt. People try to flee via the airports (Getty Images).

Aircraft charter company Air Partner has said it has been called into action as companies and individuals attempt to flee Egypt.

“Air Partner team members worldwide worked tirelessly throughout the weekend arranging flights out of Egypt for individuals and corporations wishing to safeguard oversees employees from the political unrest currently gripping the country,” an Air Partner statement said.

All of Air Partner’s 20 offices were involved in co-ordinating flights as the company’s emergency planning and 24 hour operations teams, together with on-call broker specialists, secured suitable aircraft for pre-planned evacuations and ad hoc charters.

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Graham Davey, Air Partner’s government and defence business manager, said: “It is great to see the benefits of forward planning, robust procedures and a professional and dedicated team. This morning, an influential energy industry client emailed Air Partner to thank everyone involved in his company’s successful evacuation of non-essential employees out of Egypt. Air Partner continues to be a leader in assisting companies and individuals during times of crisis.”

Once aircraft had been sourced, they then proceeded to negotiate flight slots, fuel, aircraft handling and visa permissions.

From midday Sunday to the close of business yesterday, the worldwide aviation provider flew around 800 people out of Egypt on 14 flights to a range of safe havens, including Dubai, the US and Europe.

Additional flights are contracted to take place today and on Wednesday, while several clients have ‘open options’.

Clients have included major oil companies, financial institutions, supermarket chains and telecommunications conglomerates. Aircraft used to move people to safety, primarily out of Cairo, have ranged from private jets to commercial airliners such as Boeing 737s and a 220-seat Airbus A310.