IAC appoints Paul Baker as Charter Sales Manager in UK as part of its strategic expansion plans across Europe

Hugh Courtenay, CEO, IAC said: "We are pleased to have Baker join the IAC management team. I am confident that his solid background in sales and the valuable skills he has gained over a decade dealing with royalty and high-profile customers in the air charter industry will contribute to the growing success of IAC's business activities in UK and Europe."

Baker comes to IAC from Air Charter Service, where as Senior Charter Analyst he developed new business leads, managed clients and maintained client and operator relationships, contributing to increased turnover and profit.

Prior to this, Baker spent seven years as an Aircraft Charter Broker with Air Partner, one of Europe's leading air charter service providers. Here he was in charge of servicing royal families, heads of state, celebrities and businessmen. He also gained experience in handling critical ambulance missions.

Baker began his career with Daewoo Cars, where he worked as Customer Service Advisor, handling among other duties, the responsibility of dealing with customers who have special needs.

"I am happy to take charge of IAC's sales operations in the UK. I hope to use my expertise in sales and client management to generate new business leads and add to the company's increasing base of elite clientele," Baker said, commenting on his new appointment.

Based in UK, IAC has expanded its operations to key destinations across Europe and the Middle East. The charter broker recently opened a sales office in Nice, the popular tourist resort on the French Riviera, which along with neighbouring Cannes, St Tropez and Monaco accounts for 75 per cent of IAC's clients, particularly Arab nationals and expatriates from GCC states.

Additionally, IAC has offices in Frankfurt, Germany; Padova and Italy. The company's Middle East operations are managed from its Dubai headquarters through recently-established representative offices in Bahrain, Qatar, Cyprus, Egypt and Saudi Arabia.

Growing on the back of increased regional and international demand for services in this segment, IAC has posted record revenue growth in the Gulf, with a 133 per cent increase in charter business generated from their Dubai office. Sales hit the USD 2.2 million-mark, notching a staggering 238 per cent rise over the corresponding period in 2005.