LONDON -- (Marketwire) -- 12/11/12 -- Aurora Aviation has announced today the start of its operations at Juba International Airport, Republic of South Sudan through its subsidiary Aurora Aviation Services Ltd.

Juba International Airport, serving the capital of the country, is one of two international airports in the Republic of South Sudan. Juba Airport handles international and local airlines, air cargo traffic, commercial chartered flights and private jets. It is also used by the South Sudanese military and United Nations relief flights into the country. "This is a further step in the growth of Aurora Aviation and demonstrates our commitment to invest in opportunities where we can deliver an enhanced service to our customers" said Dr Mahmoud Dashash, President, Aurora Aviation Dubai Division.

In recent years the airport has been expanded and is currently undergoing a series of improvements. "The traffic is steadily increasing and the enlarging of the runway will bring in major airlines new to Juba airport. There are now significant developments being made in the infrastructure of the Republic of South Sudan. The country presents opportunities for international companies, such as ours, willing to invest in the South Sudanese economy" added Dr Dashash.

Having recently acquired a jet fuel terminal at the airport, Aurora Aviation will be an into-plane fuelling services provider and, subsequently, expects to become a ground handler at Juba International Airport.

"Aurora Aviation Services Ltd will then be able to provide the whole range of ground handling services to commercial airlines, air medics, cargo operators and private jets - from passenger services, security and immigration to ramp services, flight planning, permits and maintenance as well as fuel supply" stated Mr Jackson Musewa, Head of Operations, Aurora Aviation Services Ltd. "Through our jet fuel terminal and modern fleet of refuellers, Aurora's team will supply aviation fuel to all types of aircraft in a timely, safe and efficient manner".

Aurora's project in South Sudan further expands its network of terminals and FBOs. "Aurora, as well as being a quality aviation services provider, has significant investments in the aviation and supply infrastructure - with our involvement in the 645 million litre Socar Aurora Fujairah Terminal, the Fujairah International Airport FBO and the Juba jet fuel terminal we are growing the asset base alongside our worldwide services" remarked Dr Dashash. "We are winning customers with our package of quality services and Aurora Aviation is expanding rapidly as a consequence".

Aurora Aviation SA is the aviation management service provider owned by Aurora Progress SA. Aurora Progress SA is a privately owned, Swiss based company with the trade, supply, transport and storage of refined petroleum products as its core activities. Building on its trading history, Aurora has subsequently invested in oil logistic infrastructure, notably the 645,000 m3 Socar-Aurora Fujairah Terminal. Today the Group's Aviation arm, Aurora Aviation is a fast growing company focused on delivering a one stop shop for aviation services and the physical supply of aviation fuels. Aurora Aviation is currently developing operations at a number of locations worldwide and earlier this year announced becoming the Fixed Base Operator at Fujairah International Airport.

Press Release PDF: http://hugin.info/152618/R/1663870/539666.pdf

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Source: Aurora Aviation SA via Thomson Reuters ONE

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