AME Takes to the Sky

Ararat electrical harness manufacturer AME Systems has made it’s first air freight delivery. To mark it’s first delivery to new client Gippsland Aeronautics last month, the company decided to enlist the talents of quality manager Darren Bahl who is also a licensed pilot. Mr Bahl and business development manager Christian Carthew departed from Stawell early in the morning and arrived at their Latrobe Valley destination in two hours. Mr Carthew said they then hand delivered the items to Gippsland Aeronautics representative Graeme Morgan and two directors before touring the facility.

Christian Carthew, right, hands over the first AME Systems air delivery to Graeme Morgan of Gippsland Aeronautics.

Mr Carthew said he and Mr Bahl had hoped to arrive back in Ararat before 3.30pm the same day but unusual weather conditions and thunderstorms caused significant delay.

“The storms encouraged us to take a more southerly route home and eventually it was decided to land in Tyabb to wait out some heavy storm activity,” he said.

When they took off later, visibility continued to be poor and they were forced to land at Bacchus Marsh. The first attempt proved unsuccessful with Mr Bahl having to return the plane to Bacchus Marsh.

Mr Bahl and Mr Carthew had to wait until 9.30am the next day before conditions allowed them to return the plane to its home in Stawell.

“It was not as timely as hoped but we were home safe and sound with very satisfied customers,” Mr Carthew said.

He said they had aimed to make the exercise a small marketing gimmick to show the new clients they could help quickly if required.

“It was good fun and also worked out to be fairly cost effective,” he said.

“They will return the favour by flying up here at some stage also.”

(The Ararat Advertiser December 19th 2003)