The quiet skies above Australia in 2020 required all aviation operators to respond – and respond rapidly. Cobham Aviation Services was no different and during this year like no other, the organisation embraced this time and chose to transform, and as a result is now well-placed to launch a new period of growth.
Having provided dedicated FIFO charter flights in support of Australian mining, oil & gas projects for more than 30 years, Cobham is no stranger to operating in a dynamic and ever-evolving industry.
Dean Brennan (pictured) managing director of Cobham Regional Services
At the beginning of 2020, Advent International, one of the world’s largest global private equity investors, acquired Cobham plc, and the Australian arm of Cobham Aviation Services was regionalised with an Australian advisory board appointed. As the pandemic’s effects began to ripple through the aviation industry, Cobham remained steadfast in plans to simplify their business architecture, implementing a flat organisational structure and decentralised, integrating engineering and back-end support into the company’s two business units, Regional Services and Special Mission.
A more nimble, tightly aligned team was the result with a newly honed focus on customer service.
Dean Brennan, managing director of Cobham Regional Services, is overseeing FIFO, freight and charter flight operations at this crucial time. An investment in bolstering the fleet is a key focus, and will position Cobham as a key player in the charter and FIFO space.
“In 2019 we launched our fleet renewal program with the introduction of the Q400 and E190 aircraft,” said Mr Brennan. “In April this year, we welcomed our fifth Q400 to the fleet, and we have plans to add additional Q400s later this year.”
Such investment in new aircraft allows for substantial growth capacity and agility in Cobham’s operations. By investing in high-reliability aircraft which have the capacity to land on paved or unpaved runways, Cobham is ready to broaden its FIFO offering.
“Cobham will have the lowest average fleet age and flight operations carbon footprint of FIFO charter providers currently operating in the 110-seat or less WA charter market.”
By matching their clients’ emphasis on embracing the most novel technology with reduced carbon footprint, Cobham will be as future ready as the mine sites it services.
“We are taking direct action to support our customers by providing newer, more fuel-efficient aircraft and focussing on strengthening our ties with the communities in which we operate,” said Mr Brennan.
