Charting the Future of Aviation: The Vision and Drive Behind UAS
21st September 2024In an industry where precision and reliability are everything, UAS International Trip Support has carved out a distinct path—one defined not just by what they do, but by how they do it. At the helm of this journey are visionaries who believe in pushing the limits of what’s possible, turning complex challenges into seamless experiences. Today, we step into the minds of Mohammed Husary, Founder and Executive President, and Philip du Preez, Director of Charter, to discover what drives their passion, their commitment to innovation, and their relentless pursuit of excellence. In this conversation, we uncover the stories behind the strategies and the vision that keeps UAS at the forefront of aviation. Prepare to be inspired by a company that is as dynamic as the skies they navigate.
Mohammed Husary, Founder and Executive President
UAS HAS ESTABLISHED ITSELF AS A GLOBAL LEADER IN AVIATION OVER THE PAST TWO DECADES. AS A CO-FOUNDER, HOW DID YOU ENVISION UAS’S ROLE IN THE AVIATION INDUSTRY, AND HOW HAS IT EVOLVED SINCE ITS INCEPTION IN 2000?
We founded UAS with a mission to access places that had never been accessed before and open all regions of the world to our clients. Since then, both the industry and client requirements have continued to evolve, but we have remained firm on our mission to plan trips and create experiences for our clients that have previously been unachievable. Today, we draw on the strength of our global network, VIP supervisors, international flight support capabilities, charter and travel connections, and advanced technology to deliver whatever our clients demand with luxury, efficiency, and quality. Using every component of our expertise we create unforgettable experiences for our clients, every time.
UAS PRIDES ITSELF ON PROVIDING TAILOR-MADE FLIGHT SUPPORT SOLUTIONS. COULD YOU SHARE A SPECIFIC EXAMPLE OF HOW UAS HAS GONE ABOVE AND BEYOND TO MEET THE UNIQUE NEEDS OF HIGH-PROFILE CLIENTS LIKE HEADS OF STATE AND FORTUNE GLOBAL 500 COMPANIES?
UAS sees it as our obligation to not only meet the demands of our VIP clients but to exceed them. So, acute attention to personalization and customization is central to our solutions. We access cuisine to satisfy the most exacting dietary requirements in unlikely and remote locations. We mitigate last-minute schedule changes and expedite overflight permit approvals for last-minute trips through our strong relationships with aviation authorities. We take care of accommodation and ground transport needs for major international events when demand is at its highest and access is restricted. It simply isn’t enough to understand clients’ desires and concerns, you must anticipate them, and foresee any potential issues so they can be avoided. This is how we satisfy even our most discerning clients.
WITH OPERATIONS SPANNING 31 COUNTRIES AND FOUR REGIONAL HEADQUARTERS, HOW DO YOU ENSURE UAS MAINTAINS A CONSISTENT LEVEL OF QUALITY AND SERVICE ACROSS SUCH A VAST AND DIVERSE NETWORK?
Our global team members have internalized an elevated level of care and more concentrated and refined ground support procedures. This can be seen in the UAS Standard of Quality and our white gloves service level at all our personnel adheres to – the type of attention to detail and VIP service comparable to that of a concierge in a 5-star hotel. All UAS personnel are trained in and committed to providing this attention to detail. Basically, it leaves nothing to chance and ensures the smoothest, most seamless, and enjoyable flight experiences for our clients. Similarly, we handpick our preferred network of global suppliers using the most stringent criteria and proven track record of operational excellence that match our own.
UAS HAS DEVELOPED INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS FOR BUSINESS AVIATION. HOW IMPORTANT IS TECHNOLOGY IN UAS’S VISION FOR THE FUTURE, AND WHAT BREAKTHROUGHS ARE YOU MOST EXCITED ABOUT THAT WILL ENHANCE THE FLIGHT SUPPORT EXPERIENCE?
Technology is central to our vision for the future. Because operators’ demands are always changing, innovative technology has become a necessity. We are dedicated to anticipating and responding to these new demands and our investment in advanced technology is facilitating this. For instance, our clients demand uninterrupted connectivity throughout their flight, our LinkEvolution technology supports this. Operators want ease and immediate information: our trip management technology, UAS Global Trip Manager, gives greater control of all trip planning activities by making it faster, easier and more efficient to access all trip details, anywhere and at any time. And we are continuously adding new features to ensure that operators enjoy even more capabilities, connectivity, and ease. We’re all about streamlining the booking process and enhancing the customer experience. Right now, EVOTLs are incredibly exciting and could potentially be a game-changer when we consider transportation to and from private jets.
Philip du Preez, Director of Charter
AS THE DIRECTOR OF CHARTER, WHAT ARE SOME OF THE KEY CHALLENGES YOU FACE IN ORGANIZING SEAMLESS CHARTERS FOR UAS CLIENTS, PARTICULARLY IN CHALLENGING DESTINATIONS OR UNDER TIGHT DEADLINES?
Some key challenges for charter flights involve navigating complex regulatory environments, securing necessary permits, and coordinating with local authorities, all within tight timeframes. Weather conditions, geopolitical situations, and limited infrastructure in certain regions also add layers of complexity. Additionally, we rely heavily on our in-house expertise – from our operations to flight planning teams – to our global in-country network and strong relationships with partners to ensure that everything from ground handling to in-flight services is executed flawlessly. The key to overcoming these challenges lies in meticulous planning, proactive communication, and having a highly skilled team that can think on their feet and adapt to changing circumstances without compromising the client experience.
UAS PROVIDES EXECUTIVE TRAVEL AND CHARTERS FOR AN ELITE CLIENTELE. WHAT DISTINGUISHES UAS’S CHARTER SERVICES FROM THOSE OF COMPETITORS, AND HOW DO YOU ENSURE A PERSONALIZED EXPERIENCE FOR EACH CLIENT?
Our charter service is built on relationships. Our clients know we are available when required – the service experience goes beyond just the flight itself. Our clients demand more than just transportation – they expect a seamless experience tailored to their unique needs. This begins with understanding their preferences, from their preferred in-flight experience, such as catering, to even the crew they feel most comfortable with. We leverage our extensive global network and our deep industry expertise to offer bespoke solutions that other providers might not have the capability to deliver. Additionally, our 24/7 support and ability to respond to last-minute requests ensure that every charter is as personalized as possible, providing peace of mind and a sense of exclusivity that our clients highly value.
IN TERMS OF GLOBAL CHARTER TRENDS, WHAT SHIFTS HAVE YOU OBSERVED IN THE PAST FEW YEARS, AND HOW HAS UAS ADAPTED TO MEET NEW DEMANDS FROM HIGH-NET-WORTH INDIVIDUALS AND CORPORATE CLIENTS?
In recent years, we’ve observed several key trends in the global charter market. There’s been a significant increase in demand for private travel, driven by a heightened awareness of health and safety, the need for flexible travel options, and the desire for privacy. High-net-worth individuals and corporate clients are seeking more control over their travel experiences, leading to a rise in on-demand charters. Additionally, sustainability has become a growing concern, with clients increasingly interested in the environmental impact of their flights. UAS has adapted to these trends. Furthermore, our commitment to sustainability is reflected in our efforts to offer carbon offset options.
WITH UAS’S WIDE ARRAY OF AVIATION SOLUTIONS, HOW DO CHARTERS FIT INTO THE BROADER STRATEGY OF THE COMPANY, AND HOW DO YOU COLLABORATE WITH OTHER DEPARTMENTS TO ENSURE A COMPREHENSIVE SERVICE OFFERING FOR CLIENTS?
Charters are an important component of UAS’s broader strategy, serving as a gateway to many of our other aviation solutions. By providing a seamless and luxurious charter experience, we often serve as the first point of contact for clients who may later explore our other services, such as aircraft acquisition, management, or other services. Our ability to offer a comprehensive suite of solutions under one roof sets us apart in the industry and allows us to build long-term relationships with our clients. Collaboration across departments is essential to delivering this integrated service. For instance, our global operations team plays a crucial role in supporting charters, ensuring that every aspect of the journey is executed with precision, from ground handling to in-flight services. Similarly, we collaborate with our sales team to identify opportunities where charter clients might be interested in aircraft ownership. This cross-functional approach allows us to deliver a holistic experience that addresses every aspect of our client’s aviation needs.
For more information, visit: www.uas.aero