Maximus Air targets Far East market

Operating out of Abu Dhabi International Airport, Maximus Air has grown to become one of the world's most respected all-air cargo operators in just seven years of operation. The company has an expanding customer base in the fast-growing markets of Asia and Africa.

"Passenger travel has developed over the last 10 years while cargo transport has remained the same. We can develop the cargo market more," says president and CEO Fathi Buhazza. "Business relationships must change. From mere suppliers and customers, it's now about partnerships. We're looking for synergies and solid business relationships."

As a former flight director for Abu Dhabi's presidential flight, Buhazza focused on operational excellence and introduced service innovations when he helped set up Maximus Air in 2005. The company can launch deliveries within six hours' notice. Each plane also has an on-board flight manager serving as a single point of contact for clients.

Under Buhazza's leadership, the company's operational revenues and profits have consistently grown. Shareholders have enjoyed profit since inception - an achievement that flies against industry norms.

Specialising in moving outsized air cargo of up to 120 tonnes, the company utilises its fleet comprising an Antonov An-124-100, five Airbus A300-600RP2Fs and two Ilyushin IL-76TDs. Other segments include transport of dangerous goods, live animals, VIPs, rapid response and humanitarian payloads.

The flexibility and diversity of its fleet render the company equally capable of operating ad-hoc charters or high-utilisation aircraft, crew, maintenance and insurance (ACMI) scheduled service environments. Long-term clients include the likes of Etihad Cargo, and Maximus Air aims to extend the offering to cargo forwarders and start-up companies.