Simon Everett is a renowned personality in the aviation sector with extensive flying experience in the USA, Caribbean, UK and East Africa.
The Everett Aviation founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) started his career in the UK and holds an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) helicopter rating.
ATPL is the highest level of aircraft pilot certificate. To tap into the then, mostly unexplored Kenyan market, Everett set up his company with one plane in 1996.
He leased the plane from the Eurocopter company, then a leading manufacturer of civil and military helicopters.
The company recently won a tender to provide air support to the British Army Training Unit in Kenya, BATUK, based in Nanyuki after a two-year delay.
As a leader in the East Africa helicopter business generating up to Ksh667 million in revenue, Everett Aviation's ascension to the top was a bumpy ride that required Everett's steadfast leadership and quick decision-making.
He ensured that the company provides swift service to its customers, including VIP clients while ensuring safety in the rapidly changing global landscape.
"Since the beginning, Everett Aviation has led the market by investing in equipment, training and safety systems. We invested in twin-engine helicopters to enhance flight safety, modern facilities, development of a Safety Management System.
"Everett also invested in equipment to protect helicopters from missile and ballistic threats when operating humanitarian missions in troubled regions and fleet upgrades to cater for the developing energy sector in East Africa," reads a statement on the company's website.
He further employed his vast experience in guiding its operation having flown for years and being qualified in fixed-wing up to Boeing 707.
The company operates on internationally recognised standards and its’ client base includes international oil & gas companies, seismic operators, the UN, military operators and private charter VIP clients.
It has a roster of high-end choppers light twin helicopters backed by strategic partnerships allowing access to a wide range of larger aircraft platforms.
In 2005, the company expanded its operations into Uganda and Tanzania, where it has a fully integrated & self-contained company headquarters.
A year later, it was awarded a contract to provide helicopter medevac services to the UK Ministry of Defence for the British Army Training Unit in Kenya (BATUK).
"As a regional operator, we are absolutely delighted to have secured this significant contract in the face of serious competition from large international players.
“We have supported the British Army for a number of years and we look forward to building an ever-stronger relationship as we serve them over the coming months and years.
"As a Kenyan company, we are equally pleased that this contract will enable us to maintain our commitment to local content and employment which has always been of paramount importance to our Company," Simon expressed optimism at the time.
The company has more than 46 employees working in different departments.
