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AVJET TRANSPORTS PRESIDENT CLINTON TO NORTH KOREAN TALKS
August 4, 2009
BURBANK, Calif.—Avjet Corporation, an international provider of private air travel solutions, supplied air transportation for former President Bill Clinton on his visit to North Korea on Tuesday, August 4.
Mr. Clinton’s successful mission to secure the release of two imprisoned American television journalists brought him to Pyongyang. The former president traveled to the North Korean capital aboard a Boeing Business Jet (BBJ) managed and operated by Avjet, arriving early Tuesday morning local time. Mr. Clinton was greeted at the airport by North Korean officials.
Avjet received the request for transportation on Friday, July 31. Avjet worked closely with the U.S. Department of State to facilitate the travel arrangements.
"We had to get a waiver from SFAR 79 that prohibits flights to North Korea, obtain an overflight permit from Russia, arrange for flight coordination between Japan and North Korea, set up ground support at Elmendorf AFB near Anchorage and Misawa AFB in Japan, request special Customs and Immigration services at Burbank, vet our crews with U.S. Secret Service and pre-position pilots in Alaska," said Marc Foulkrod, Avjet's chairman and CEO. "We also had to coordinate with FAA and the U.S. Department of Defense because of the special and sensitive nature of the mission."
The mission was conducted as a private flight in accordance with FAR Part 91. It was sponsored by the aircraft owner, Stephen Bing of Los Angeles-based Shangri-la Entertainment.
After departing Burbank early Monday morning, Avjet’s crew flew Mr. Clinton and his team to Elmendorf AFB. There, the aircraft was refueled and the second flight crew boarded the aircraft. From there it flew to Misawa AFB, refueled again, and dropped off the first crew along with the flight attendants and other non-essential personnel. The BBJ then departed for North Korea with Mr. Clinton's team.
The aircraft remained on the ground in Pyongyang for 20 hours during Mr. Clinton’s diplomatic mission. The flight crew remained on board the aircraft during the layover. Once Mr. Clinton, his team and the rescued journalists, Euna Lee and Laura Ling, were safely back on board, the BBJ departed for Misawa AFB, picked up the other crew members and flew directly back to Burbank.
"We are honored to have been selected as the global air transportation partner for this historic humanitarian mission," said Andrew C. Bradley, Avjet Senior Vice President, Global Sales and Acquisitions. "Our selection reflects Avjet’s uncompromising commitment to security and confidentiality for our client base of VIP travelers, as well as our broad global presence."
About Avjet
Avjet Corporation is an international provider of aircraft charter and management solutions. Specializing in large-cabin, VIP aircraft, the company also offers expert assistance in aircraft sales and acquisitions. Avjet’s clients maximize the many benefits of private aviation, while reducing the cost and complexity of aircraft ownership. Avjet holds the highest safety ratings by the world’s leading auditing services.
The company is headquartered in Burbank, California, and maintains a global presence in Washington D.C., Seoul, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Moscow and other locations around the globe.
To learn more about the company, visit www.avjet.com.
