28th January 2010
Public Works Minister Robert Schwarten today announced a Queensland company has been awarded the whole-of-Government contract to manage aircraft charters.
Mr Schwarten named Cairns-based charter brokerage company Independent Aviation as the successful tenderer to supply air charter management services from 15 February 2010.
“Independent Aviation is a Queensland owned and operated company and was appointed through an open tender process,” Mr Schwarten said.
“Their appointment is based on being able to provide the best value for money for the government. It also ensures the safety of Government staff when using air charters through consistently high safety standards.”
Local Member for Cairns, Desley Boyle, welcomed the announcement, saying it was great news for Cairns.
“Not only does the contract support local jobs and our region’s economy, but it will support many local businesses,” she said.
Independent Aviation General Manager, Ian Button said the company was pleased with the news.
“We are thrilled to have secured such a significant contract for our region. This is great news for the Cairns economy for 2010, with many of the aircraft we charter coming from local providers.”
Aside from a range of value-added services and high-level technical skills, Independent Aviation also demonstrated a commitment to environmental standards. “Independent Aviation’s high-quality environmental strategy includes the carbon offsetting of all aircraft charters. Independent Aviation was the first charter company in Australia to be completely carbon offset,” Mr Schwarten said.
Ian Button said the company was proud of its commitment to environmental initiatives.
“Since 1 October 2009 we have applied international best practice to automatically bio-sequester the carbon emissions generated by all charters we organise through forestry offsets. This is at no additional cost to the customer. We believe that every organisation is obliged to minimise their impact on the environment,” Mr Button said.
Independent Aviation has been appointed for an initial period of two years, with the option of two one-year extensions.
More information: Minister’s Office 07 3237 1184
Danae Jones – PR Manager, In Touch Media 0409 346 599/danae@intouchmedia.com.au
