Avolus announces Russian expansion

Avolus announces further expansion of its Russia/CIS activities with the appointment of Ekaterina Kryukova as general representative for Russia/CIS and the formation of a Russian non-executive advisory board for Avolus Vostok OOO. These changes come as a direct result of increased demand in the Russian/CIS region for charter, Jet Card and aircraft sales.

Avolus Vostok OOO is an Avolus-owned company registered and based in Russia and dedicated to the Russian market. Avolus Vostok will arrange for intra-Russia charter flights and can accept payment in Rubles.

Ekaterina Kryukova worked as a senior broker at Avolus’s London head office prior to relocating to Moscow to lead operations for the region. In her previous role, she effectively developed the Russian-speaking market, mainly focusing on family offices, and Russia/CIS now accounts for over 45% of the company’s total turnover.

“Our business model was influenced by the growing importance of family offices in Europe. It combines detailed-oriented, boutique service with highly competitive pricing” said founder and CEO Alexis Grabar. “Our ability to meet our clients in person more frequently lets us better understand their unique needs, which significantly strengthens our value offering.”

As general representative, Kryukova will continue to serve new and existing clients with support from Russian speaking brokers in London. She will also take responsibility for strategic direction, business development and marketing partnerships in the Russia/CIS region.

In addition, the company announces the formation of a five-person non executive advisory board to help the Russia/CIS division accelerate growth in the region. The non-executive directors will be appointed over the next four months in order to be in place for the start of 2013.

“The Russian market has always been a strategic part of our business. In fact, we were the first international broker to become a member of the Russian Business Aircraft Association (RUBAA), at JetExpo 2011. Our non-executive Advisory Board will serve to further reinforce and enhance our position as one of the leading charter brokers to the Russian-speaking markets”, Alexis Grabar said.

Charter sales in Russia/CIS are steadily increasing, with annual revenues forecasted to be 20% higher this year than in 2011.

Avolus’ private jet service offers a full range of aircraft worldwide including turboprops, light jets, mid-size jets, heavy jets and airliners for Jet Charter services.