Why Falklands war veteran Simon Wagstaff now has Everest in his sights
Former British Army Commando founded ASA Group in 1999 as the sole employee, and the company now has offices in six countries
This story was originally published in XXIV magazine 2018
CEO Simon Wagstaff says that running an aviation business requires a great deal of attention.
“It’s a precision business. We are a service provider to the aviation industry, specifically to private and corporate jet operators, so time is very, very important,” Wagstaff says.
The ASA Group, which Wagstaff founded in 1999, has expanded from one employee to offices in six countries, including those in Hong Kong, Thailand and the Philippines, with operations in more than 1,000 Asian airports.
His business focuses on four sectors: aviation ground handling, security services, private jet charters, and luxury concierge services, and his philosophy on time is influenced by his own experiences.
A retired British Army officer from the prestigious Commando Brigade, Wagstaff is also a veteran of the 1982 Falklands war, and a counter terrorism expert.
“Time in the army is not your own, first of all. And you are taught on day one to always be on time,” he says.