Mercury Air Group Acquires 50% Stake in Trans Asia Charters

LOS ANGELES, Sept. 9, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Mercury Air Group, Inc., a worldwide aviation services company specializing in jet fuel, air cargo and U.S. government contracting, announced today that it has purchased fifty percent of the stock of Hong Kong-based Trans Asia Charters (TAC), which specializes in medium and long term wet leases for cargo aircraft and long term dry leases for passenger aircraft.  TAC also operate ad hoc full charters with a special focus on cargo operations and military personnel flights using Western and Russian built aircraft. TAC is well known for concentrating on niche markets and special/outsize loads. Other TAC services include aircraft and engine inspections as well as sourcing of new and used aircraft for specific clients.

"Mercury operates at 63 locations around the world and has one of the most extensive cargo networks in the industry.  Through our partnership, we will grow TAC much faster than I had originally planned.  I am especially pleased to be working directly with Mercury's Chairman & CEO Joe Czyzyk.  Joe has over 35 years of experience in the air cargo industry. He is a well-respected cargo veteran having done business in nearly 100 countries," said Bill Pellew-Harvey, Chairman of Trans Asia Charters. Pellew-Harvey started in the logistics and aviation business in 1976 and has become an authority on aircraft procurement and leasing. He formed TAC in 2010.

Los Angeles based Mercury Air Group has been a leader in aviation since its founding in 1956 by three members of the legendary AVG Flying Tigers.  As the largest cargo handler at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and with its own international network of cargo sales agents, marketed under the name Hermes Aviation, Mercury has an extensive background in air cargo.  Additionally, Mercury World Cargo operates as a Part 135 certified carrier and is a member of the Interline Clearing House.  Together, TAC and Mercury will bring their respective expertise to growing the cargo charter market, especially between Asia and South America.

"Over the last two years, Mercury has expanded its cargo services into perishables and forwarding for the U.S. military.  Our new relationship with TAC will help us enhance the services we offer our existing customers as we look together to exploring new markets and opportunities.  Bill Pellew-Harvey and TAC's principals are people of integrity who put customers first and understand the competitive pricing environment in aircraft leasing.  It's exciting to be partnering with them," said Joseph A. Czyzyk, Chairman & CEO of Mercury Air Group, Inc.

For more information on TAC please go to www.transasiacharters.com.

Contact: Bill Pellew-Harvey @ Cell: +39 3341921203

SOURCE Mercury Air Group, Inc.