West Africa Ebola Update

RNS Number : 8603R

Westminster Group PLC

17 September 2014

 



 17 Sept 2014

Westminster Group Plc:

West Africa Ebola Update

Westminster Group Plc ('Westminster', the 'Company' or the 'Group'), the AIM listed supplier of system solutions and products to the security, defence, fire protection and safety markets worldwide, wishes to provide a further update on the recent Ebola outbreak in West Africa.

Whilst several airlines have temporarily suspended flights into the affected region, other airlines including Brussels Airlines and Royal Air Maroc continue to fly into the airport whose security is managed by Westminster and, as previously reported, additional flights have been added by certain carriers. New carriers have also introduced ad hoc flights in response to demand.

The Company is in regular contact with the local aviation bodies and whilst British Airways has announced their flight suspension until the 31st December, the local civil aviation authorities are expecting other carriers to commence operations in the interregnum.  It is noted that both the International Air Travel Association (IATA) and the World Health Organisation (WHO) are not recommending any restrictions on air travel and there are growing calls from bodies such as the UN, the African Union and regional civil aviation bodies for suspended flights in the affected region to be reintroduced as a matter of urgency.

Westminster is pleased to report that, due to strong growth momentum in prior months, year to date passenger volumes as at the end of August were still 1.6% ahead of the same period in 2013. The current position is that passenger volumes in the first half of September are 41% of those in the same period in 2013.  This could improve should airlines respond to international pressure to resume flights.

Commenting upon the situation Westminster CEO Peter Fowler said:

"The situation caused by this Ebola outbreak in West Africa is tragic for all those affected and our thoughts and prayers go out to the victims and their families.

"I am however proud of how our team has prepared for and coped with this matter which I think pays testament to our professionalism.

"The Group has already announced timely mitigation strategies including the placing announced on 4 August to augment its cash position. We have also taken prudent cost reduction measures in theatre, however we have ensured that the local work force and operations are unaffected and we have continued to maintain full security at the airport which demonstrates our commitment to the affected country and local community. This, combined with the assistance we have given in providing advanced fever detection systems and in helping to screen passengers in accordance with WHO requirements to keep the airport operational, has been recognized by the local government and community, which bodes well for our long term operations.

"A further major mitigation measure is our strategy of diversification over multiple product offerings in multiple territories. Passenger volumes in airports in the affected region are approximately just 0.6% of our total aviation prospect pipeline and less than 5% of our more advanced prospects."

For further information please see the Company's web site, www.wg-plc.com, or contact:

Westminster Group plc	Tel: [phone]
Peter Fowler (Chief Executive)
Ian Selby (Chief Financial Officer)
S. P. Angel Corporate Finance LLP (NOMAD and Broker)	Tel: [phone]
Stuart Gledhill/Katy Birkin
Winningtons Financial (Financial PR)	Tel: [phone]
Tom Cooper/Paul Vann	0797 122 1972

Notes:

Westminster Group plc is a leader in the supply of system solutions and products to the security, defence, fire protection and safety markets worldwide.

Westminster's principal activity is the design, supply and ongoing support of advanced technology security solutions, risk assessments and close protection services. These can range from product only assignments, such as the supply of specialised scanners, to the design and implementation of an integrated system solution such as a border detection and surveillance system. The majority of its customer base, by value, comprises governments and government agencies, non-governmental organisations and blue chip commercial organisations.  For further information please visit www.wsg-corporate.com.

 

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