Douglas Berry
BIOGRAPHY RAPTOR AEROSPACE
“Aerodynamically the bumblebee should not be able to fly. But the bumblebee does not know that, so it goes on flying anyway.”
- Mary Kay Ash -
Raptor Aerospace is an “Afrocentric” company focused on the aviation industry and its strategy is based on six pillars each of which, although unique and independent in their own right, have synergies with each other and contribute to the overall success of the group.
Cargo:
On a worldwide basis cargo has made a rapid recovery post Covid, and many airlines are contemplating increasing the size of their dedicated cargo aircraft fleets. Raptor Cargo will operate 138 flights per month on a scheduled basis servicing twenty-four long haul international destinations and twelve regional African cities using five Boeing 747-800 F, five Boeing 737-800 F, and two ATR72-600 F aircraft. This will be accomplished using the classic “hub-and-spoke” methodology and a dedicated state of the art semi-automated cargo complex will be constructed to accommodate the efficient flow of air cargo.
Aircraft Maintenance Organisation:
Due to the size of the aircraft fleet Raptor Aero Maintenance will construct its own MRO in order to provide cost effective maintenance to the fleet. This facility will also be made available to other African airlines and a suitable target market has been identified. We will undertake maintenance up to and including “C” checks. D checks will be outsourced to other MRO’s.
VIP Executive Charters:
Raptor Executive Charters will employ a fleet of seven fixed wing and one rotor wing aircraft for deployment into the charter market. Five of the aircraft will be capable of operating on long haul routes negating the requirement for an intermediary refuelling stop. The target market for these aircraft will include inter alia governments, multinational companies, high net worth individuals, mining houses, game lodges, the United Nations, and the African Union. Two aircraft will be based in Addis Ababa and the remainder will be based at Lanseria International Airport.
Aircraft Leasing Division:
All aircraft will be owned by a subsidiary company and operated on a Bermuda AOC. This offers the maximum possible protection of the company’s assets and facilitates the operation on a worldwide basis. In addition to the aircraft intended for use by Raptor an additional fleet of Embraer E195-E2 aircraft will be acquired for long term leasing to African airlines.
Flight Simulator Training Centre:
Due to the number of pilots that will be employed by Raptor in order to operate the various services, a flight simulator centre will be established in order to cater for recurrency training as well as type
conversion training. This facility will also be made available to pilots from other airlines and will prove to be the most economically viable method of complying with the regulatory requirements for flight safety. The intention is to install a Boeing 747, Boeing 737, and Embraer E195 flight simulator at the centre.
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles:
Raptor will use U.A.V.’s for use in humanitarian aid purposes in disaster scenarios. It is envisaged that these will be deployed for search and rescue, transportation of emergency medical supplies, delivery of food water and blankets. Three different aircraft types will be utilised namely Schiebel, Elroy, and Rhaegal. Each offers a different payload and range capability making the offering highly flexible in its capabilities.
Fixed Base Operation:
A dedicated fixed base facility will be established to accommodate the fleet of VIP aircraft. This will also service other arriving VIP aircraft and provide a full menu of services to them including, hangarage, cleaning, refuelling, flight planning and filing, crew accommodation and transport etc.
Overview:
Raptor will be managed in strict accordance to the King IV principles and corporate governance will enjoy the highest priority. A total of 1,364 permanent direct employ positions will be created. In addition our commitment will be focused on skills transfer, training, education, employee wellbeing, and sound corporate/community relationships.