Flightline Support Ltd, an Oxford-based manufacturer of aircraft refuelling vehicles and systems, has secured export contracts worth over £600,000 ($994,000) in Myanmar and Morocco.
The firm is among the first UK companies to clinch orders in the former pariah country since the trade sanctions were lifted about a year ago, a British government announcement said.
Amid the recent opening-up, Myanmar’s major aviation hub Yangon International Airport is now expected to see over 3.8 million passengers a year.
Flightline won a contract to supply the airport with two 20,000 litre aircraft refuelling vehicles.
Richard Lewis, sales and marketing manager for Flightline Support, said: “When the tender came up in 2013 we worked closely with our local partner company, who provide fuel and fuelling expertise, to secure the deal.
“The fact that our company is renowned globally for high quality and ultra reliable equipment gave us a headstart.”
Flightline also recently secured a £200,000 order to supply Oilibya in Morocco with a 20,000 litre aircraft refuelling vehicle.
Southeast Asia focus
The firm said it is now focusing on other areas in Southeast Asia as its success in Myanmar has resulted in enquiries from Thailand and Papua New Guinea. It plans to head out to the region with UKTI later in the year.
Stephen Myatt, aerospace specialist for UKTI Southeast, said: “Flightline are a fantastically ambitious company. The fact they are already a well established global exporter, but continue to push to new markets shows their determination.”
Lewis added, “Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia and Papua New Guinea, are all very strong growth markets where airport development is on the up.
The company are also attending the International Airport show in Singapore where they hope to clinch further deals.
Flightline Support said it is also staying on track with its export strategy.
Ray Harris, managing director of Flightline support, recently visited the re-opened British Embassy in Burma to meet UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) staff. They discussed forging stronger ties with Myanma Petroleum Products Enterprise (MPPE) and the Ministry of Energy.
Lewis said: “We are experienced exporters – we have exported for many years to markets across East and West Africa, the Middle East and even Siberia, but the help UKTI provides us cannot be underestimated.
Flightline Support is working closely with UKTI to help export over three quarters of their £8 million turnover, according to UKTI.
