UCS AVIATION
SEDUCED BY THE SKIES 06
Jonathan Wolpe may just have Jet-A1 fuel flowing through his veins. Not because of a fiery demeanour – he comes across as grounded and measured, choosing his words with care – but rather because of his passion and commitment to shaking up Africa’s aviation industry. by Sebastian Bartlett
For the past two decades Wolpe, founder and chief executive officer of United Charter Services and later the United Aviation Group, has made his mark both on the ground – pioneering new service offerings in the world of private aviation – and blazing innovative contrails across African skies. After finishing his tertiary studies in marketing, Wolpe started his training as a commercial pilot in 1999, but quickly grew disillusioned with the lack of opportunities open to young pilots in Southern Africa. However, showing trademark ingenuity and entrepreneurial flair he quickly identified a gap in the regional aviation market, launching Africa’s first aviation charter brokerage in 2000. Unlike traditional charter firms, which own and operate their own aircraft, when Wolpe launched United Charter Services (UCS) at the turn of the millennium it was with a bold vision for a new type of aviation company. As a broker, rather than operator, Wolpe could offer private charter clients a wider choice of aircraft, alongside unheard-of flexibility, costsavings, and convenience.
