Bermuda Aviation Services is going up in the world after becoming a majority partner in a joint venture with Otis Elevator Company Bermuda.

The move further expands BAS’ collection of companies and ties the company in with the US-headquartered Otis Elevator Company, which employs 60,000 people globally and is the world’s largest manufacturer and maintainer of people-moving products, such as elevators, escalators and moving walkways.

Otis Bermuda’s US parent has provided escalators for luxury hotel group Jumeirah’s hotels in Dubai and has won the contract for 66 elevators in the world’s tallest building, the Burj Tower currently under construction in Dubai and expected to reach more than half-a-mile into the sky when completed late next year.

The new joint venture between BAS and Otis will retain the name Otis Bermuda and will be officially established on March 1. Candy-Lee Foggo has been appointed chief executive officer and vice-president of Otis Bermuda.

Announcing the link-up between the companies, BAS president Eugene Bean said: “BAS is extremely proud to be associated with this great company and the Otis products.”

Todd Bluedorn, president of Otis North and South America, said: “We look forward to a successful partnership with BAS and are confident that this new partnership will help Otis Bermuda broaden its presence in the market.”

BAS takes a controlling 80.1 percent majority in the new company.

Now in its 50th year, BAS was incorporated in 1947 to supply aviation services to Bermuda International Airport. It has since grown to employ more than 300 people and has diversified by acquiring other companies including Crow Lane Bakery and car parts distributor Weir Enterprises. BAS also created the joint outsourcing company BAS-Serco and amalgamated courier air freight company International Bonded Couriers.

It also has a wholly-owned subsidiary Aircraft Services Bermuda that provides ramp and cargo services to major air carriers, private and military aircraft and charters that serve Bermuda.

Otis Bermuda’s new chief executive Ms Foggo has previously worked as operations manager with Stevedoring Services and before that was Director of Parks with the Government. She has served on a number of Government boards and committees and received masters and bachelors degrees from the University of Delaware.

BAS president Mr. Bean said: “Ms Foggo is a welcomed addition to our executive management team. Her diverse background and experience will serve her and the company well going forward.”