Jetex Flight Support has kicked off its expansion into South America with the launch of fuel supply services in Brazil. The Dubai-based group now says it can supply jet-A to operators at any Brazilian airport, having previously been confined to international airports.

The company, which provides comprehensive flight planning and handling services, has plans to open a full-service joint venture operation in Brazil from January 2013. Fuel arrangements in the country are being made directly through inter-plane agents, thus eliminating third-party costs. “Not only will it cut costs for our clients, this move will ensure timely fuel services in any location in Brazil,” explained Jetex regional sales executive Rafaella Carolina. “We are taking our first step into our expansion in South America and we look forward to many more announcements.”

Earlier this year, Jetex (Booth No. 5044) launched a new service to allow operators to avoid paying value-added tax on fuel if they are exempt from the tax. The Jetex Fueling Services subsidiary can now offer the exemption program in the following eight European states and is planning to add more: Austria, Czech Republic, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Poland and Switzerland. To find out whether or not they are VAT-exempt, operators fill out a short questionnaire at the Jetex website.

According to marketing manager Sabina Makowska, so far in 2012 Jetex has seen strong growth in business aviation traffic in Africa and Asia and particularly in China and India. By contrast, traffic has dropped in Europe’s struggling economies but at its Paris Le Bourget FBO the company says it has boosted market share to handling 20 percent of movements, at a time when traffic is 5 percent down on 2011 levels. Last year at Shannon on the west coast of Ireland Jetex started a joint venture with local FBO Westair. Customers here can take advantage of the airport’s status as a pre-clearance gateway for U.S. immigration and customs so that onward flights to the U.S. are considered domestic.

Jetex also has bases in China, the Ukraine, Burundi, Ethiopia, Algeria and Congo. It is looking to strengthen its supervisory handling role in the growing markets of central and West Africa. Many of its supervisors in Africa have been with the company for more than five years, which Jetex says is significant given the continuing challenges associated with arranging permits, handling and other flight support services throughout the continent.

Makowska told AIN that in most of the growth markets in which Jetex is now seeking to expand, regulatory restrictions continue to be the most significant hurdle. For instance, the company is pressing authorities in regions such as the Middle East to allow more open market access for companies wanting to establish new FBOs.

Jetex is a sponsor for Corporate Angel Network, through which business aircraft operators provide flights for cancer patients needing to travel to receive treatment.