This collaboration between ExecuJet and Acher Aviation has established a robust helicopter division that services a wide range of sectors, from VIP transport to humanitarian aid and mining operations. Greg Binnie, a rotor-wing and fixed-wing pilot and Onshore Manager at Acher Aviation, shares insights into the venture’s growth, capabilities, and what sets it apart in the African aviation market.
Building a Premier Helicopter Division
ExecuJet and Acher Aviation joined forces in 2012 to create a specialised helicopter division based at Lanseria International Airport in Johannesburg. At the time, ExecuJet – now Luxaviation Africa – was looking to develop a helicopter division, prompting the collaboration with Acher Aviation, a Durban-based offshore helicopter operator.
The partnership leveraged Acher Aviation’s operational expertise, including its pilots and experience in the rotating side of the business, while Luxaviation Africa contributed its renowned brand and extensive client network. The result was a formidable helicopter division that started with a single Airbus H 30 and has since expanded to a fleet of 14 helicopters, operating across a range of Southern African countries as well as the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
Diverse Mission Applications
The fleet’s versatility allows it to support multiple applications, including VIP and government transport, humanitarian aid, offshore services, and mining logistics. Notably, the division continues to provide crew transportation services to and from oil tankers that offload crude oil at the SAPREF facility in Durban, a critical operation for the region’s energy sector.
In addition to these core services, the company also has capabilities for heavy-lift operations, often required for slinging and logistics support in remote mining regions. The helicopters are annually audited by various Oil and Gas Producers (OGP) companies, ensuring compliance with international safety and operational standards.
Strategic Fleet Positioning
Unlike some operators that maintain fleets stationed across different locations, Luxaviation Africa and Acher Aviation primarily base their aircraft in Johannesburg. This centralised approach ensures that aircraft are meticulously maintained and ready for deployment on demand.
The company operates a wide range of helicopters to cater to diverse client requirements.
The fleet includes models such as the Bell 206 Long-Ranger, a single-engine turbine helicopter capable of carrying a pilot and five passengers to the larger Leonardo AW139, a twin-engine turbine helicopter that can accommodate up two pilots and 12 passengers, of which there are two in the fleet. This diversity enables the team to match the right aircraft to each client’s specific mission requirements.
Fixed-Wing and Rotary-Wing Expertise
In addition to overseeing the helicopter division, Greg Binnie is a dual-licensed pilot, flying both fixed-wing and rotor-wing aircraft. On the Luxaviation fleet, he operates aircraft such as the King Air B200, PC-12, and Challenger 601, while also flying multiple helicopter types. This dual expertise ensures that clients receive professional, high-level service across both fixed-wing and rotary-wing operations.
The ExecuJet Advantage
Luxaviation Africa part of the Luxaviation Group, sets itself apart in Africa by offering a comprehensive aviation solution. Its services extend beyond charter flights to include fixed-base operations (FBO), where it provides aircraft owners and operators with a suite of services, such as aircraft cleaning, catering, crew support, parking, fuel arrangements, and flight clearances. These services are available at private facilities, ensuring privacy and world-class lounges in locations such as Cape Town and Lanseria.
The fixed-wing division of Luxaviation is equally diverse, operating everything from single-engine turboprops like the PC-12 to the ultra-long-range Global Express. The company has also added several PC-24s to its fleet, which, subject to owner approval, are capable of landing on dirt strips—a key advantage for accessing remote areas in Africa.
