AFRICAN OPEN SKY

African Open Sky, also called AOS, is an aviation services group with its head office in Abidjan, Ivory Coast. It also has an office in the Sharjah International Airport Freezone in the United Arab Emirates. The company says it has worked since 2009. It serves aircraft operators who fly to and across Africa.

AOS says its main work is for private, corporate, ambulance and commercial aircraft operators around the world. It helps them get African clearances, such as overflight and landing permits. It also handles ground services, including transport, hotels for crew, catering and refuelling. Other services are flight planning, and work with air traffic control and weather notices.

The company says it works closely with civil aviation authorities across Africa. In some countries, such as Mali and Benin, it holds an exclusive contract. Under it, AOS grants permits and invoices clients worldwide for the authority. AOS says this close contact helps it get permits in a short time.

The website lists branches in many countries. They include Mali, Benin, Burkina Faso, Sierra Leone, Congo, Nigeria, Mauritania, Chad, Senegal, Ethiopia, Kenya and Cameroon. The list goes on to Togo, Gabon, Mozambique, Tanzania, Ghana, Rwanda, Djibouti, Niger and Gambia, among others. One stated aim is to open full branches in each African country within a year.

The home page highlights four offers. These are quick permits for African countries, handling help around the clock across Africa, a monthly fuel rate, and catering for passengers and crews. Visitor comments on the site praise the ground handling and the refuelling help.

AOS says its people are what set it apart. It wants staff to carry the company vision with them, which supports a safe work place and a good client experience. The company also states that customers come first. It says it has helped make many thousands of flights happen. It reports 26 awards received since 2009.

The website carries company news and industry articles. These cover topics such as African business aviation, pressure on ground handling firms and sustainable fuel. Visitors can find the head office and Sharjah office details, and phone contacts for sales and operations, on the contact page.