UNIQUE PRIVATE PUBLIC- PARTNERSHIP FOR THE GUERNSEY AIRCRAFT REGISTRY

The Commerce & Employment Department, on behalf of the States of Guernsey, and SGI Aviation have concluded an agreement on the Guernsey aircraft registry project.

Amsterdam, the Netherlands 10 May 2012

On the 30^th of April 2012, the States of Guernsey and SGI Aviation signed a contract for the development and operation of an aircraft registry in the Bailiwick of Guernsey.

The agreement establishes a unique public-private partnership, whereby the responsibility for the operational aspects of the public service of an aircraft registry will be outsourced to SGI Aviation as a private provider.

The Director of Civil Aviation of the Bailiwick of Guernsey, Fergus Woods, comments: “This is a great opportunity for Guernsey. It is not just about offering this one service; the presence of an aircraft registry will create an attractive environment for private enterprise to flourish and thereby contribute to the local economy.” The project is expected to result in significant financial benefits for the Guernsey community with potential revenue opportunities for the aviation and financial services sectors, with the associated positive impact on private sector employment.

Mr Woods explained “We have envisaged the project as a long term strategic partnership between the States of Guernsey and SGI Aviation with an established strong commitment on both sides.” The initial development phase is expected to take approximately 14 – 18 months, after which the registry will become fully operational, with a launch date set for mid-2013. The day to day operation of the registry will be managed by SGI Guernsey, a subsidiary of SGI Aviation which will be incorporated in Guernsey specifically for this purpose early in 2013.

“We look forward to this prestigious opportunity, as it is truly one of a kind and is fully in line with SGI Aviation’s long term business objectives,” says Wadick Chomyszyn, CEO of SGI Aviation.

The aircraft registry is expected to achieve 150 Guernsey registered aircraft by 2015. Resident aircraft owners and operators from the Channel Islands will form the initial primary group of users.

The Guernsey registry will differentiate itself from competitors through its unique tax advantages, quality of service, operational flexibility and targeted marketing. SGI Aviation intends to draw on its international network of inspectors and unique expertise to add value to the proposition.

The Registry activities include safety oversight of all aircraft, applying safety standards that are on a par with the highest in the world, which are those of the European Union and the United States of America. The registration prefix is anticipated to be the number ‘2′, followed by four letters (e.g. ‘2-ABCD’), allowing unique and attractive letter combinations.

The Commerce & Employment Department is responsible to the States of Guernsey for creating the conditions for a dynamic and diversified economy through the promotion of commerce and industry which is sustainable and operates in accordance with the strategic, economic, social and environmental policies of the States. It is also the Department from which the Director of Civil Aviation for Guernsey operates.

SGI Aviation, headquartered in Amsterdam, the Netherlands and a Seabury Capital LLC company (www.seaburygroup.com), is an aviation service provider to National Aviation Authorities, regulators, aircraft owners (lessors and banks) and airlines. SGI Aviation provides regulatory, commercial and aircraft technical expertise to their clients on a global basis.

For further enquiries:

SGI Aviation
Mr. Wim Ovaa
Guernsey Project Manager
Strawinskylaan 381
Amsterdam, 1077 XX
The Netherlands

Tel: +31 20 880 4206
Fax: +31 20 890 8490
Email: wovaa@sgiaviation.com
www.sgiaviation.com

Mr Fergus Woods
Director of Civil Aviation
Commerce & Employment Department
Raymond Falla House
PO Box 459, Longue Rue
St Martins
Guernsey GY1 6AF

Tel +44 1481 234567
Email:fergus.woods@commerce.gov.gg