Private Aviation 25 June 2007 a Guide to Doing Business in the Skies

PRIVATE AVIATION 25 JUNE 2007 A GUIDE TO DOING BUSINESS IN THE SKIES

Your Personal Air Travel Company FlyNow @ www.FlyMeNow.co.uk

AN INDEPENDENT SUPPLEMENT FROM MEDIAPLANET ABOUT PRIVATE AVIATION, DISTRIBUTED WITHIN THE TIMES 2 AN INDEPENDENT SUPPLEMENT FROM MEDIAPLANET ABOUT PRIVATE AVIATION, DISTRIBUTED IN THE TIMES

CONTENTS Business aviation in Europe: Affluent travellers are becoming choosy 4 Ocean Sky, an easy choice: perfection 5 An engine for growth Business aviation market buoyant 6 Put the fun back in flying 7 Med property express 8 After a period of stagnation throughout the 1990s and as the market place for European business Fixed-price magic carpet 8 becomes ever more competitive, business aviation is demonstrating that it is increasingly an Freedom, flexibility and gain 10 engine for growth in Europe, says Brian Humphries. Go when you feel ready 10 A good start is frightfully important 11 The efficient and appropriate use of business aviation enhances productivity and provides Making clients feel special 11 access for our most dynamic businesses to You name it, they’ll get you there 12 European and Global markets, where time is the currency of the realm and deals depend on Time machines to beat the jams 14 having the right people in the right place at the Aviation heritage very much alive 15 right time. By flying directly between business destinations at the timings dictated by the customer rather than by an airline, Business Avia- tion enables arduous but necessary multiple destination schedules to be completed in days, instead of the weeks it would take using air- PRIVATE AVIATION lines and their feeder operations based on hub A TITLE FROM MEDIAPLANET and spoke schedules. Indeed, there are many recorded examples of Project Manager: Martin Szelenbaum, 020 7563 5883 Production Editor: Ulrika Fallenius where deals worth billions of Euros have been Editor: Anthony Howard won by European companies that would simply Design: Jez MacBean not have been possible without Business Avia- Print: News International tion. And that is why numerous studies both in Europe and the US have shown that companies Mediaplanet is the leading European publisher in that use business aircraft are invariably signifi- providing high quality and in-depth analysis on topical cantly more successful than those that don’t. industry and market issues, in print, online and broadcast. Shell Whilst some large European corporations like ̆ Brian Humphries For more information about supplements in the daily press, Shell recognised this almost as soon as avia- please contact Carl-Philip Thunström, 020 7563 8877 tion became a practical proposition, having advanced technology business jets entering aviation emissions and only a few hundredth [email protected] had a corporate fleet without a break for 80 service with their low noise; fuel efficiency; of 1 per cent to overall emissions. Meanwhile www.mediaplanet.com years now, Business Aviation was slow to take greatly enhanced range; often excellent short new initiatives, including the rapid growth in off in Europe compared with the US. Activity field performance; and industry leading, state fractional ownership - or aviation time share- plateaued through the 1990s at only around of the art avionics, with Head-up Displays and and the forthcoming introduction to service of IN ASSOCIATION WITH 2,000 aircraft compared with more than four Enhanced Vision Systems, offering even Very Light Jets have lowered the entry thresh- times that figure in the US. Certainly the high greater safety and the ability to operate to old to business aviation, making it an afford- costs of operating in Europe, with virtually all more airfields in adverse weather. able and increasingly attractive option for flights being international in our often However, the European aviation infrastruc- middle management and small sales teams. inclement weather, combined with limited ture, too, is changing and we face some chal- This is the world of Business Aviation and, if access to all weather airfields, has posed sig- lenges in respect of new regulations, and con- you are not already enjoying the benefits to nificant challenges. But the combination of tinued access to airports and airspace in ever enhance your business, we look forward to ever longer transit times through international more crowded and changing skies. We also welcoming you to our world very soon! hubs, limited choice of destinations and the have to demonstrate more visibly that we are a Brian Humphries CBE is chief executive of security challenges post 9/11 all combined to sustainable industry in a world of ever increas- the Brussels-based European Business Avia- generate new interest in Business Aviation in ing focus on the possible role of aviation in cli- tion Association. Founded in 1977, it is the Europe from the start of the new Millennium. mate change. A challenge we are well able to leading association for business aviation in BBGA is the UK's National Trade Body representing A critically important factor also acted as a meet, with the cleanest and quietest fleets in Europe with over 300 members operating more companies operating and trading in the General & catalyst to this potential growth: the fantastic aviation, contributing less than 1 per cent to than 500 turbine powered business aircraft. Business Aviation Industry. Upcoming supplements Communicate core messages within a relevant editorial environment Mediaplanet is the leading European publisher in providing high quality and in-depth analysis on topical industry and market issues. Upcoming titles include British Manufacturing, Consulting, Diamonds, Quality of life, Shopping centres, Logistics,Waste Management, Infertility, M&A and Defence

For more information on promotional opportunities and other titles, please call Henrik Kanekrans +44 (0)207 563 88 73 or email [email protected]

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thing ‘real’ – and want their holidays to be more experience-led and Affluent travellers are enriching than ever before. As with much else, the profile of wealthy travellers now seems far more fragmented. Where once typically they were retired with loadsa becoming more choosy money and ostentatious – even gauche – tastes, they now tend to be As their numbers continue increasing, and they Females, too, are on the up and up. year the number of $1 million younger – and more experienced This year’s Sunday Times Rich List, households continued upwards by travellers. And they want shorter, become younger, they want it now which details Britain’s 1,000 wealth- five per cent to an all-time record of more easy-going trips. iest people, includes 92 women, 9.3 million, and those worth $5 mil- Furthermore, the research inferred In the words of the 1921 song Ain’t the initiative from inherited wealth against 64 a decade ago. The Centre lion or more topped 1 million for the that luxury is now more about expe- We Got Fun, “There’s nothing surer: to risk takers pushing for business for Economics and Business first time. riences than possessions, and that The rich get rich…” And this upward success, the UK will enjoy a higher Research suggests that women will Wherever you look, it seems there time is a luxury for busy people. progress seems sure to continue, ratio of $1 million households than overtake men in the millionaire are more and more people with Thus, as time is the most precious especially in the UK. For here it is even the United States – 16 per cent stakes by 2020, and they will hold 60 increasingly serious spending commodity of all, everything must predicted that in 10 years time there – or Japan – 22 per cent. per cent of the UK’s wealth by 2025. power. So purveyors of upmarket be available on demand – I want it, will be 1 million “super-millionaires” The findings from Barclays If fulfilled, this trend starts today goods and services have all to play and I want it now. with assets of more than $3 million, Wealth suggest that people from all – if only because girls fare better at for. And it is maybe not so surprising The line between business and while 26 per cent of households will walks of life are becoming rich, pre- school and in higher education than that the luxury travel market luxury travel is blurring because possess more than $1 million in sav- senting new opportunities and chal- boys, and they live longer. appears healthy, with recent spend- workaholic younger travellers, who ings, investments, property and land. lenges. It also seems this hold on Across the Atlantic, the ranks of ing increases of as much as 20 per have grown up with the habit of Driven by influences such as the wealth is cascading down from peo- the wealthy also continue to swell. cent, compared with 4.5 per cent for being continually in touch wherever strong property market and bur- ple in the 50-60 age group to those The biggest recent growth in the US global travel overall. they are, continue to conduct busi- geoning entrepreneurship, shifting in their early 30s. was 33 per cent in 2004. Though last However, affluent travellers are ness while on holiday. So they are becoming much choosier, suggests very put out when their mobile research by International Luxury ‘phone or laptop won’t function Travel Market, and they are placing while in an African game reserve or less reliance on luxury brands and on board an aircraft. Maybe getting A guesstimate might be OK high-tech. It seems the über-rich away from it all is assuming an in a car. But not in a cockpit. crave greater authenticity – some- entirely new meaning.

“Precisely!”

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Of course, we fly high-profile celebri- Ocean Sky – Europe’s ties, but also we have a surprising number of discreet clients who might have done well from their business or f the City. They also have the means rfastest rising private and appetite for living the high-life, and they know that flying by private jet is the ultimate in luxury.” jet company! “It’s a fun industry dealing with dynamic, ultra-successful people, The push-pull driving continue”, Kurosh Tehranchian and the product we sell is sexy. admits. “But it is clear that demand Everyone loves private jets.” private jet travel has increased lead-times for new aircraft to be delivered by manufac- Premium Over 300,000 private jet flights flew turers to four or five years, which is “At Ocean Sky we are very conscious in and out of London last year. The unacceptable.” that our clients are paying a premi- private jet business globally is “No operator can predict what type um and they expect the best, so we booming. One British company, of aircraft he’ll need in five years provide superb in-flight catering and Ocean Sky is determined to be the time. So buying is quite high risk. On service. For instance we use the best number one player in this business. the other hand, I can’t see any reason restaurants; Pushkin in Moscow, “By definition the private jet busi- why there should be a slow-down. If Nobu in London, and we serve only ness is all about identifying niches there were one in America and the best champagne, whisky and and targeting them with pinpoint Europe, China and India would very vodka. We profile each of our clients accuracy. Our clients want perfec- likely balance everything out. As it meticulously, so whatever the prefer- ftion, and they want it now. So we is, 60 per cent of Ocean Sky’s current ence and tastes may be, it will be rmust deliver without question,” says clientele are Russians.” waiting for them the moment they Kurosh Tehranchian CEO of Ocean The arrival of the very light jet step on board. Once you have flown Sky, arguably Europe’s fastest rising (VLJ) will also keep the ball rolling with Ocean Sky, our system immedi- Top left Ocean Sky CEO, Kurosh Tehranchian. Top right Ocean Sky Bombardier Chal- private jet company. by dramatically reducing the cost of ately alerts our crew to your immi- lenger 604 interior. Above Two of Ocean Sky’s Challenger 604 aircraft. Expansion in the private jet sector jet flying. “Today, if you want to fly nent flight, profile and preferences ris remarkable, rising 24% in 2006 8 people from London to Nice in a the next time you fly with us.” 60, a Global Express XRS, a Boeing Tehranchian’s vision was to create a alone. “This has been driven by two – Learjet 45 for the weekend it will In aviation any difficulties are Business Jet with 17 other aircraft fully integrated aviation company push and pull – factors”, says cost £9,000 - £10,000,” says always magnified because the num- coming under management within offering solutions to anybody inter- Tehranchian “First there is the con- Tehranchian. “At approximately bers are so big. “Safety is our top pri- the next 12 months. ested in the private jet sector. Clients venience” he explains. “There is £1,200 a head, that is a lot more than ority,” declares Tehranchian, “and the range from those wishing to go from A more money around and a lot of business class, but at least it is at a way to avoid problems is to always Invest to B – maybe a weekend at the Mona- wealthy people are now more aware level where many people can begin employ the right people. Our pilots are Tehranchian got into aviation by co Grand Prix or a week in Sardinia – of the alternative to flying in first to contemplate private jet travel.” all put through a rigorous selection accident after selling his IT business to financial road shows or a jet owner class with a commercial airline. And, “With the VLJ, the cost will come and training process, and the same in 1999 and began to invest in small requiring maintenance, management for example with higher oil prices, down to £600 - £700 per person. How- applies to our flight attendants.” equity companies. One of these and chartering to raise revenue. the whole market is opening up.” ever we do not envisage that high end Ocean Sky’s clients are predomi- being the precursor of Ocean Sky, Kurosh Tehranchian says “We like The second – push- factor is the clients will switch to VLJ’s and com- nantly users of heavy jets, and this is Aircraft Zone which was set up in to think that there are private jet inconvenience of scheduled flying: promise the luxury and comfort found reflected in the company’s $180 mil- 2003 by his wife Niki Rokni who has companies then there is Ocean Sky.” overcrowded terminals and delays in a Challenger 604 for example.” lion investment programme of air- been involved in the aviation indus- created by security and congestion Tehranchian declines to name craft ordered over the last 12 months. try for fifteen years, in the sale, lease For more details or a brochure at airports. names among his customer base, and Ocean Sky currently owns, oper- and finance of commercial jets. She contact Ocean Sky on “It is difficult to foresee how long says, “It’s a matter of privacy, which is ates and has on order two Bom- is now Sales and Marketing Director +44 20 7493 4939 this high growth in the sector will part of what our clients are paying for. bardier Challenger 604s, a Learjet of Ocean Sky. www.oceansky.com

Ocean Sky Josaron House, 5-7 John Prince's Street London, W1G OJN United Kingdom T: +44 20 7493 4939 F: +44 20 7493 4959

OCEAN SKY BROADENING HORIZONS IN

Aircraft Brokerage Charter Management Sales & Acquisitions Handling = = = =

www.oceansky.com 6 AN INDEPENDENT SUPPLEMENT FROM MEDIAPLANET ABOUT PRIVATE AVIATION, DISTRIBUTED IN THE TIMES Business aviation market buoyant

Plenty of deals and air travel revolutions in the level price tag of $1.52 million, will non-US marketplace, access is In his keynote speech at EBACE, radically change the landscape of the becoming a problem for the 2,800- celebrated aviator Dr Bertrand Pic- pipeline were revealed at the recent European charter market,” opined Gregg strong European aircraft fleet. Euro- card highlighted the “green con- Business Aviation Convention and Exhibition Thomas, CEO of PrivatAir, which pean Business Aviation Association cern” worrying business aviation, began as the corporate jet fleet of the CEO Brian Humphries cited London and he challenged the industry Mediterranean weather and a wide – National Business Aviation Associ- Latsis Group 30 years ago. Thomas Luton Airport, now slot-controlled, needs to recognise that it must find selection of the latest fancy hard- ation – gathering in Atlanta, Geor- singled out the advanced plans of and Geneva, particularly impacted a renewable source of energy for ware drew a record 10,000 visitors to gia, in September. JetBird, headed by former Royal by low-cost carrier growth. Private flight – which is likely to be biofuel, Europe’s premier business aviation Confidence in the venue is so Bank of Scotland asset finance chief jet users were also feeling the pinch rather than solar power. show, EBACE at Palexpo in Geneva. strong that EBACE will continue in Domhnal Slattery. at airports they had hitherto kept Attractions included the distinctive Geneva until at least 2012. This year, JetBird intends to become viable. Solar Impulse ‘Javelin’ Personal Jet, Dassault’s more than 340 exhibitors took 1,410 Europe’s largest air taxi operator in A medical doctor, Piccard is the new 700X and the Eclipse 500 Very booth spaces. the next decade. It says it will halve Rights architect of the Solar Impulse Proj- Light Jet (VLJ) making its interna- the going rate, revolutionising the Humphries advocated that, just like ect. Its mission is to fly a solar-pow- tional debut. New entrants way people travel by air. From early commercial scheduled operators, ered aircraft around the world and Easy access to the exhibition’s The buoyancy of the business avia- 2009, it will offer an on-demand private aviation too should have the prototype, scheduled for com- static display, this year home to more tion market has seen dominant play- point-to-point private jet service in ‘grandfather rights’. Referring to pletion by next summer, should be than 50 business aircraft, makes ers – Gulfstream, Bombardier, Cess- Europe, operating 100 Embraer Phe- London Luton, he declared: “If we ready for it first flight in 2009. EBACE a hit with visitors. In addi- na, Dassault and newly re-named noms, initially out of two as yet hold 20 per cent of an airport’s slots, Drawing power from lithium batter- tion, the host city is conveniently Hawker Beechcraft – joined by new undisclosed European hubs. then we too should have rights.” ies, it will gain altitude during the located for visitors from the Middle entrants with smaller jets, among Today, PrivatAir manages a fleet Enforcement of carbon trading for day and descend at night. East, Russia and Asia, and they pre- them Eclipse Aviation, Adam Air- of 40 aircraft, ranging from a King aircraft weighing more than fer Geneva to the much larger NBAA craft, Grob Aerospace, HondaJet, Air 200 to a Boeing 757. Gregg 5,700kg, new security rules and dis- Solar power Diamond Aircraft and Embraer with Thomas said it would certainly be quiet about airlines muscling busi- While solar power may be the its new Phenom family. “The VLJ open to managing a fleet of VLJs. ness jets out of European skies are long-term future, turboprops were ̄ Gulfstream GIV (very light jet) air taxis, with an entry However, amid this boom in the other major concerns. firmly back in vogue at EBACE, just

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RUAG of Germany disclosed plans to for high-altitude airports, to its fleet. re-start production of the Dornier Other Bombadier signings embraced 228 for special mission use. a Challenger 605 for Bahrain’s Bex- As usual, EBACE 2007 brought a air, a Challenger 300 for Portugal’s flurry of new order notifications. Omni Aviação, and an ultra-long- Petters Group Worldwide of the US is range Global Express XRS for Echo to take up five Airbus A318 Elites. of Lebanon. NetJets Europe CEO Mark Booth announced the purchase of 32 more Potential Hawker 4000 entry-level jets, worth In a deal potentially worth more about $700 million. NetJets Europe than $650 million, National Air plans to double its flight deck crew Services of Saudi Arabia disclosed a to 1,500 over the next four years. It firm order three Gulfstream G450s has just taken on 100 additional for operation in the Middle East and pilots, and a further 125 will join by an option on 17 further aircraft. year end. ExecuJet, worldwide distributor A commitment by ETRIC Aviation for the Grob Aerospace Spn light jet of Luxembourg to take 180 Eclipse offered with Porsche Design interior, 500 six-seater jets from Eclipse Avia- announced two customers from Abu tion marked CEO Vern Raburn’s Dhabi: Prestige Jets and Falcon Avi- ̆ Bombadier Challenger 605 Piaggio Avanti IIs for delivery in offer frac- largest European order to date. ETRIC ation Services, both to take delivery 2008 to complement its expanding tional ownership shares on single has entered into a joint-venture with in 2009. “The Spn is going to be a fleet of single turboprop EADS- turboprops in the UK and Ireland. Turkey-based Atasay to start an air significant game changer in the as in the regional airline business. Socata TBM 700s and Pilatus PC- Hawker Beechcraft revealed two taxi service in the country. Middle East,” stated Falcon’s general JetFly of Luxembourg, Europe’s 12s. JetFly also signalled a partner- new enhanced King Air variants, the UK-based European Skytime said manager Philip Markham. first fractional ownership compa- ship with luxury travel provider GTI and GT offering higher speeds it was to add a Bombadier Learjet Air & Business Travel News ny, announced an order for four Avolus, which will see the latter and faster rates of climb, while 40XR and a 45XR version, optimised www.abtn.co.uk Put the fun back in flying No longer so much an elitist toy but an effective way of getting from A to B

Business days that make a mockery then spend $300,000 on fresh of scheduled air travel by compris- engines and refurbishment. He will ing two hours of meetings, four add another pair of Citation 2s to the hours flying and seven hours killing fleet this year, and a trans-Atlantic time at airport terminals may sound Falcon 2 in 2008. far-fetched. Yet they are a grim real- “The major airlines are no longer ity for too many people. supported by the taxpayer,” says

If a businessman is charged out to Mulligan. “If they don’t shift first Airlines Eos ©2007 of eosairlines.co.uk courtesy photo clients at, say, £400 an hour, he and business seats, they’ve got to fill almost can’t afford to use public air the back of the plane. So airliners are transport because of the bottlenecks becoming like buses, whereas pri- at airports. Check-in facilities and vate jets are fulfilling the role of all the security palaver are the taxis and limousines at almost the biggest hindrances, and they have same cost per mile.” made a huge impact. Paul Mulligan, He finds himself in a rising mar- chairman of Southend-based ket: “Fractional owners are migrat- 247jet, realised this would cause ing to us, and one of them told me business people, celebrities and you’re twice as good at less than half other well-heeled travellers to drift the price of a shared ownership pro- away from scheduled airlines – they gramme. So we’re giving people don’t want the hassle and they don’t what they want at a price they can have the time. afford – not an elitist toy but a sim- His approach is to work his air- ple, cost-effective means of getting craft efficiently to keep the price from A to B.” down. So his two Cessna Citation 2 For example, 247jet can take eight eight-seaters have three crews each, people on a weekend jaunt to Nice or and are aloft 1,200-1,400 hours a Cannes for £5,300. Fashionably On Time year, compared with 600-700 hours “There’s no safer way of flying 15 minutes after stepping off their Eos flight from New York, for most corporate owners or 4,000 than in a public service private jet – a refreshed Clare Scott and Melanie Freeman exit the hours for one of BA’s Boeings. just look at the statistics,” says Mulli- airport in London. Clare comments that she always finds A new Citation 2 costs $7 million gan. “With us you just drive up to the herself looking forward to flying on the world’s only 757s – and comes with a large bundle of plane and go – none of this nonsense outfitted for just 48 Guests—“It’s the only time I get to relax.” depreciation. Mulligan prefers to about tubes of toothpaste or bottles eosairlines.uk.co | 0808 234 8764 pay $2.5 million for one that has water. We’re deadline driven, and we flown 200-300 hours a year, and put the fun back into flying.” Now 40 flights a week 8 AN INDEPENDENT SUPPLEMENT FROM MEDIAPLANET ABOUT PRIVATE AVIATION, DISTRIBUTED IN THE TIMES

MED PROPERTY EXPRESS

Club328 has formed an alliance with Fixed-price luxury real estate group Engel & Völkers to provide private jet travel for high-end clients seeking property, investing in a second home or magic carpet commuting to and from Mallorca, Sardinia and other Mediterranean destinations. As scheduled carriers sense the top customer service team at any time of To support this and other end of their business being eroded the day or night makes an executive alliances, the operator has one of its by premium private jet operators, jet available to you either at one of the Premier 1 six-seat jets based at they are bound to respond. big three hubs or your European Palma Airport this summer. Lufhansa’s counter-measure is its departure airport. To facilitate hassle- Engel and Völkers clients can Private Jet scheme, offering “maxi- free journeys, the team works with the determine what time they wish to fly mum mobility and maximum con- Hub Control Centre co-ordinating pri- from which airport, with no time venience” and insulating users as far vate jet and long haul flights. advantages of separate airport secu- enjoy their vice with a drink, though restrictions or schedules to adhere as possible from the hoi polloi. Attractive all-inclusive pricing is rity and passport control services, how long the thought police will to. No longer will potential property Long- and short-haul - mainly based on distance travelled. There and have access to Lufthansa’s first allow that to last is anybody’s guess. buyers have to fit viewing, purchas- first class – passengers flying into are no additional charges for prepar- class facilities or its partner airlines’ At Frankfurt, Munich or Zurich, ing and legal paperwork into fixed Lufthansa’s three major hubs – ing the jet or services provided dur- high-quality lounges. clients are transferred directly by pri- airline timetables. Frankfurt, Munich and Zurich – are ing the flight, and accompanying Lufthansa’s 1,800 square metre vate limousine - Mercedes S-Class or For those travelling with furnish- now offered onward and return con- guests fly free of charge. flagship first class terminal at Porsche Cayenne - between the Pri- ings and personal items for their nections by exclusive executive jet to In the event of bad weather or other Frankfurt beckons workaholics and vate Jet and the long-haul aircraft or property, the only limitation is the and from more than 1,000 airports in unforeseen delays, Private Jet under- lounge lizards alike. They can work vice versa. Lufthansa believes no com- size of the aircraft’s hold. Europe and the Russian Federation. takes to make the best possible alter- away in fully equipped private parable time-saving convenience is “Increasingly Mallorca is becom- This simple concept, also open to native arrangements at its own offices, enjoy a snooze or a meal, available anywhere else in the world. ing a desirable location for second Swiss passengers, appears to make expense, which it says is feasible only take a bath, surf the net, watch TV or Clearly such an ambitious offering homes for Europe’s elite,” says costly charter contracts superfluous. for a strong, networked major airline. a choice of movies. There is even a demands aircraft of a high standard, Club328’s sales and marketing Booking a fixed price ticket from the Private Jet travellers enjoy the Cigar Lounge, where smokers can with good range and performance. director Mel Anderson. “By partner- Those available embrace the Cessna ing with Engel and Völkers we are Citation Excel and Bravo, Hawker creating a seamless process for the 400XP, Hawker 800XP and Falcon purchase of property both on the 2000EX, operated by NetJets and island, and in other burgeoning des- with cabin capacities ranging from tinations such as Sardinia and six to 10 people. Morocco.” This is apparently an ideal solution James von Enden, a director of for travellers who wish to reach Engel and Völkers, adds: “All in all, remote locations easily, to combine flying by private jet vastly improves several appointments within Europe, the quality of travelling. The or to guarantee a seamless connection Club328 experience will save our with a long-haul flight. According to clients valuable time and enable Lufthansa, the scheme enjoys 90 per them to focus on finding their new cent customer satisfaction, and so the property without the stress and limi- collaboration with NetJets has been tations of scheduled air travel.” extended by a further five years.

Travel with any scheduled carrier and you spend at least 60 to 90 minutes just checking in.* [Can you afford to waste that much time every time you travel?] Fly with us and it will be about 6 - 9 minutes.

247 Jet do not believe in wasting anybody’s time - yours or ours. Time is money Because we can fly out of smaller airports, the chances are we can not only collect and so we value it and use it to the best advantage. That is how we operate our you from an airfield that is near you, we can also deliver you to an airfield that is aircraft - as efficiently as possible so that we can offer our customers the best closer to your desired destination, conveniently and very cost effectively. possible rates to their destination. A 247 jet charter is no longer a luxury, it is an efficient, affordable means of We own all our aircraft and operate them to the highest standards. Our highly travelling in a world that is becoming ever more congested. trained crews are renowned for their hospitality and pride themselves on getting their passengers to where they want to go, when they want ...not when somebody Call us next time you need to escape. else’s schedule dictates. This is why many busy business Tel: 01702 531500 executives, sports stars and individuals who just value their privacy and time, now choose to fly with us.

* Average check-in times at any major airport including security checks Affordable personal jet transportation 247 Jet Ltd. Hangar 2, Aviation Way, Southend Airport, Essex SS2 6UN Tel; 01702 531 500 www.247jet.biz Take off in style with Lufthansa Private Jet. Enjoy a unique, exclusive service. And the luxury of your own flight schedule. All for this one moment.

Reach your destination even faster with Lufthansa Private Jet. Premium services door-to-door to over a thousand destinations inEuropeandtheRussianFederation.TravelwithaLufthansa ticketatafixedpricewithmaximumflexibilityandconvenience. Also offering seamless connections to all long-haul Lufthansa flights. Contact 020 8750 3488 whereourServiceTeamis looking forward to your call. www.lufthansa-private-jet.com 10 AN INDEPENDENT SUPPLEMENT FROM MEDIAPLANET ABOUT PRIVATE AVIATION, DISTRIBUTED IN THE TIMES Freedom, flexibility and gain

You can save time by departing and arriving at You have the flexibility of access Added to these advantages are the Authority to generate 8 per cent of times to suit your needs, advises Mark Wilson to thousands more airports around security of your own private flying the economic value of the airlines. the world. Thus you can choose an office or meeting room and the safe- By flying directly to the destina- airport close to your end destination, ty of business air travel. Numerous tion, by using the latest fuel efficient Welcome to the world of “private most used term is business aviation rather than the airports served by studies have quantified the benefits aircraft and by flying only when aviation”. This means you own the – which reflects the fact that, unlike commercial airlines. of using business aviation. For required, business aviation is an plane or have hired the entire air- the airlines, the vast majority of example, a US analysis during the essential part of a sustainable econ- craft; you control the schedule and “private aviation” flights have a Convenient last decade found business aircraft omy. the destination; you go where you business purpose. Use of a business aircraft will enable operating organisations earned 146 There are already more than 2,500 want when you want, not where and Business aviation brings freedom, you to organise your travel require- per cent more in cumulative returns business aircraft in Europe so, when when an airline wants. flexibility and gain. Free from air- ments around convenient meeting than non-business aircraft operators. using “private aviation”, you are Private aviation is an all encom- line schedules, you can save time by timetables rather than scheduled While the returns on business avia- joining an ever expanding group of passing term and many other departing and arriving at times to flight times – helping you to achieve tion are significant, it is also environ- forward-thinking and successful descriptors can be used: business suit your needs as well as being able significant management time sav- mentally sound. Though using less businesses. aviation; executive aviation; corpo- to make complicated multi-stop day ings. Less time spent in airport termi- than 1 per cent of the fuel of the air- Mark Wilson is chief executive of rate aviation; personal jets; general trips which could not be achieved by nals and check-ins add to the time lines, business and general aviation the British Business and GeneralA aviation. Within the industry the scheduled services. available for productive use. was found by the UK’s Civil Aviation Aviation Association. Go when you feel ready

Light aircraft may be Private aviation in lighter aircraft more feasible than you could be one solution for busy travellers, who are not necessarily think. stratospherically wealthy, and shared ownership might make it It is a familiar story. Most of us are more feasible than you think. fed up with congested roads, over- The difference between car own- crowded trains and whiling away ership and using taxis all the time is unproductive hours at airports. We a good analogy. We find the capital would far rather not be bogged to buy a car because it’s more con- just as you do with your car. And or three times a month, believes shared ownership makes sense. But it down in all this because life is too venient and cheaper mile for mile. you can return home at the end of Stephanie McWilliam of the specialist is important to share with appropri- short, and we value our time. The same is true of air travel. Some- the day, saving on hotels and meals. company Private Air Travel. “Most ate people to avoid conflicts in access times a scheduled flight fits the bill, It’s worth considering if you travel people don’t need a whole aircraft to to the aircraft.” Envy and at others a light aircraft makes upwards of 150 miles more than two themselves,” she says,” which is why Yes, yes. But will the cost make We maybe occasionally cast envious more sense. my eyes water? Based on 600 hours glances at others who turn left when use a year, this is likely to be stepping aboard a Boeing 747, glide Productivity between £250 and £700 per hour, about in pristine executive jets or It is a question of increased produc- COST CALCULATOR Williams suggests. The drawback whoosh in over our heads while we tivity. Private air travel offers the with cheaper aircraft is that they are sit in traffic a mile from Silver- ability to attend two or even three Here is our ready reckoner of the likely costs, based on 600 hours flying per more susceptible to delay by bad stone’s gates. The way to join them meetings in different parts of the annum: whether. in the game of airborne leapfrog is country on the same day. Using light For most business people, £500 to not necessarily as extreme or as aircraft allows access to hundreds of 2 seats 4 seats 8-12 seats 6-9 seats Exec £600 per hour is about right. That’s chancy as the message on every smaller airfields closer to where you Direct hourly costs £230 £260 £310 £330 the cost per flight so, if several peo- other lamp post in Johannesburg: need to be in a fraction of the time. Fixed costs per hour £140 £190 £280 £310 ple travel together, it equates to “Beat the jams. Win the Lotto. Get a You are not tied to airline sched- Total hourly cost £370 £450 £590 £640 maybe £150 per hour per person helicopter.” ules, so you go when you are ready, journeying 200 miles or more.

Get ahead of the game – and above the competition • Are you tired of check-ins at airports? • Have you had enough of congestion on the roads? Are you fed up with delayed and crowded trains? • Photo: Cessna

Find out more from www.privateairtravel.co.uk Wouldn’t this be a better way to travel? AN INDEPENDENT SUPPLEMENT FROM MEDIAPLANET ABOUT PRIVATE AVIATION, DISTRIBUTED IN THE TIMES 11

Lewis Hamilton’s exceptional tal- Super One British karting champion. ent and consistency have already He became increasingly formidable A good start is most established three records: first driver as he clambered up the motor racing to finish in the top three in his first ladder and, by 2005, he was unstop- three F1 races; youngest driver ever pable, securing the Formula 3 to lead the drivers’ championship; Euroseries title with four rounds to ffrightfully important and the first driver since 2001 to win go. His tally was 13 pole positions, 10 a race in his first F1 season. fastest laps and 15 wins. Now still only 22, Hamilton has Last year, stepping up to the GP2 His appearances on the podium in been racing and winning since he series, he was a champion again Lewis Hamilton, new the first seven races of the season was 10 years old when he was named with six fastest laps and five wins. face of Learjet, wows make Hamilton a short-odds bet for them in Paris the drivers’ title, though as he would be first to admit there is still a long way to go and he will need to keep MAKING CLIENTS FEEL SPECIAL Britain’s latest motor racing sensa- his wits about him. According to the 2007 survey from the independent New York-based Luxury Institute, tion Lewis Hamilton, who has “His achievements have impressed Blue Star Jets has been recognized as the most prestigious brand in the private jets fimpressed so much with his cool on- the sporting world and he has services category. track performance and his person- tremendous potential to become a The Institute asked ultra-wealthy consumers to rate each brand on delivering supe- able pit lane demeanour, was the legend, just like the Learjet brand,” rior quality, uniqueness and exclusivity, on whether the brand is used by people who ffocus of attention last week’s Paris said Pierre Gabriel Côté, who must are admired and respected, and on the ability of each brand to make clients feel special lAir Show. be tickled pink by the arrangement. throughout the entire customer experience. The survey also asked responders to rate First his prowess behind the wheel international ambassador for the Hamilton intends to fly by Learjet each brand on price-worthiness and on change in status over the previous 12 months. has left sceptics gaping, and now his iconic business jet brand. whenever he can, and he will also be Retaining its placing as the top brand in private aviation for the third year running, potential as a sponsor magnet is The deal, which marks Bom- a member of Bombardier’s charter Blue Star came in ahead of NetJets, Bombardier Flexjet, Citation Shares and Marquis accelerating quicker than he leaves bardier’s entry into the world of For- arm, Skyjet International. among others. the pit lane. mula 1 racing, was apparently rati- “Another of my dreams has been Claiming to be the worlds most efficient and comprehensive private jet brokerage, Fresh from his second consecutive fied even before Hamilton won his fulfilled as I now fly by Learjet”, Blue Star says it can arrange the ideal private aircraft for any given flight to any desti- career grand prix win at Indianapolis, first victory in the Canadian Grand smiled Hamilton, an admirer of the nation in the world at a moment’s notice. Hamilton flew into Le Bourget aboard Prix at Montreal. So it seems Bom- iconic aircraft said to embody the “We are the only company that works for the customer, and this award signifies that a Challenger 604 to support his bardier must be getting much better Learjet philosophy: My race, my rules, our commitment bears a real difference in the experience of flying with us.” declared brand-new personal sponsor, Learjet. value than it bargained for, even my journey to becoming a legend. Blue Star CEO Ricky Sitomer. At a photocall alongside a Learjet though the driver’s performances in Learjet, which celebrates 45 years The Luxury Institute’s Milton Pedraza said: “The results indicate that, since our last 45 XR with Bombardier Business his first five grand prix had already of flying in 2008, was acquired by survey, smaller boutique brands continue to overtake the larger players in brand status Aircraft president Pierre Gabriel yielded a quite outstanding record Bombardier in 1990, since when it and that the larger brands need to redesign and deliver a far better customer experi- Côté, he was named as the new for a newcomer. has introduced seven further aircraft. ence to earn a better brand reputation score.” 12 AN INDEPENDENT SUPPLEMENT FROM MEDIAPLANET ABOUT PRIVATE AVIATION, DISTRIBUTED IN THE TIMES You name it, they’ll get you there

Life is seldom dull in the air charter business as it and NGO sectors. Its clients include the ultimate in luxury travel, the pri- trips. Can fly non-stop for 5hr multinational car, pharmaceutical vate jet market is proving itself as a 30min. Cost: 1 night stop £12,500; 1 seeks solutions to diverse requirements. and telecom companies, the UK practical tool for a corporate market week stay or longer £22,000. Ministry of Defence, EU departments seeking reliable and efficient point- • Challenger 604 Seats 10-12 people When a would-be party giver decid- Matt arranged a return flight for the and the United Nations. to-point travel.” in luxury walk-around cabin. ed to celebrate his 50th birthday with party in their own Boeing 737-800, So it finds solutions in areas as Even so, many of the world’s Flight attendant service. Hot and family and friends in Venice, his plan assuring convenient take-off times diverse as conference and incentive wealthiest private travellers, cold gourmet catering. Can fly was soon thwarted by scheduled air- and minimising check-in delays. The travel, product launches, major whether flying for business pleasure, London-New York non-stop. Very lines’ inability to accommodate his in-flight catering was pretty slick too sports events, VIP and executive remain a core part of the business. popular and plenty available in group together on a single flight. as ACS happily arranged to take flights, emergency medi-vac and Seasonal destinations for such central Europe and the UK. Cost: 1 Even though he was trying to book delivery, store, load and serve food disaster operations, humanitarian individuals and families include St night stop £16,500; 1 week stay or four months in advance, the journey prepared for themselves by members relief – refugee and repatriation Moritz, Geneva, Chambery, Cannes, longer £31,000. would have been a real mess with of the Association. flights, troop and equipment move- Istanbul, Marrakech, and longer- • Embraer Legacy Typically seats 37 people arriving in dribs and drabs at ments, freight and dangerous goods haul to Dubai, the Maldives, South people. Exec jet version seats 13 in all sorts of times. carriage, aircraft leasing and ACMI – East Asia and the Caribbean. During luxury appointed seating. Plenty aircraft, crew, maintenance and Europe’s winter, clients charter of space for work, rest and relax- Rendezvous insurance – operations. flights while holidaying in the ation. Flight attendant service. So he took the plunge and consulted Private jet travel is certainly on southern hemisphere as far afield as First class hot and cold catering. a chartering company. The upshot the move. For instance, figures from Australia, South Africa, Brazil and Largest luggage hold in its class. was that Carmen Vanegas of Air the National Business Travel Associ- Argentina. Can fly London-Cairo or London- Charter Services booked him a 46- ation suggests that 56.1 per cent of Typical summer destinations Amman non-stop. Cost: 1 night seat Canadair Regional Jet. The surveyed companies now use some include Nice, Florence, Naples, stop £19,000; 1 week stay or party made its rendezvous in the form of private air travel, up from 27 Palma, Faro, Dubrovnik. And, early longer - £33,000. striking new terminal building at per cent in 2002. in the season the Saudi exodus These costings are estimates, London Farnborough Airport, and “We have seen a significant begins from Jeddah and Riyadh. variable according to availability. enjoyed a drink during the half hour increase in the use of charter aircraft between check-in and take-off. A You name it and ACS says it will in the corporate market” says Hunt What you get, and how much: Set up in 1989, Hunt & Palmer is three-course business class lunch make its business to find it – from & Palmer’s director of corporate Europe’s largest independent global was served on board and, upon light aircraft and helicopters to busi- development, Jamie Martin. “This is • Cessna Citation Excel Seats 7 peo- aircraft charter service. It is a 365- arrival, bags and party-goers were ness and VIP jets or narrow- and particularly true of the financial sec- ple in stand-up cabin. Cold cater- day-per-year operation with 150 off the aircraft and on their way to wide-body airliners. Established in tor, where the stock market contin- ing. Luggage hold. Fully enclosed local representatives across the the hotel in half an hour. 1990, it operates 24/7 from offices in ues to boom. And we are increasing- washroom. Ideal for short-sector world, ready to cope with local Matt Parton of ACS averted anoth- London, New York, Moscow and ly sought after for our experience in trips around Europe. Can fly non- problems, customs and languages. er potential travel nightmare when Dubai, and its 75 staff arrange 2,700 arranging multi-centre itineraries stop for 3hr 45min. Cost: 1 night The company’s expansion in the Icelandic Chefs Association flights a year for its 600 customers – for high profile IPO’s.” stop £10,500; 1 week stay or recent years has seen it establish decided to attend the International big business amounting to a Terrorism threats, lengthy check- longer £19,500. presences in France, Spain, Ger- Chef of the Year competition in turnover of $120 million. in and delays now characteristic of • Hawker 800 Bigger than the Excel, many, Switzerland, Russia, Jordan, Lyons. Comprised of competing Life is seldom dull in the air char- commercial air travel increases the it seats 8 people in an ergonomic Singapore, Hong Kong, Australia, chefs, guests and well-wishers, the ter business. For instance Hunt & practical appeal of private charter, cabin. Hot and cold catering. Fully USA and this month India. group numbered nearly 150, which Palmer’s remit runs the gamut the says Martin. “While there will enclosed washroom. Very popular The film industry – where expen- made scheduled flying a poor option. civilian, corporate and government always be a place for those seeking for medium-range multi-sector sive people, equipment and locations AN INDEPENDENT SUPPLEMENT FROM MEDIAPLANET ABOUT PRIVATE AVIATION, DISTRIBUTED IN THE TIMES 13

make time precious – is another heavy past five years, particularly in the film makers throughout the entire ranged from a surprise UK-Switzer- haven’s Director of Civil Aviation, user of private air travel. So much so entertainment sector.” production from scouting locations land 40th wedding anniversary Brian Johnson, says the advantages that early this year relative newcomer It helps film industry production and production preparation to prin- weekend to a charter for a company of such registration include high Oxygen 4 Aviation opened an office offices with time management, cipal photography and press junkets. visiting 14 cities on three continents regulatory and service standards, a Pinewood Studios to cater exclusively logistics and travel arrangements. It The company must be doing in four weeks. secure mortgage registry, neutral for the entertainment industry. allows production teams, directors something right. Since its inception registration prefix, competitive cost and actors to fly directly into an air- in early 2005, it has enjoyed annual structure and a registry available 24 Film industry port close to a location, in accor- sales of first £9 million and then hours a day. The company’s Alexis James says: dance with their own timetables and £15.8 million. Mark Green, one of In parallel Equiom Trust Company, “We decided to have a branch at not with those of regular airlines. the three partners, says the firm formerly Anglo Irish Trust Company, Pinewood to ease the burden of Private aircraft increase ease of enjoys 95 per cent repeat business, has set up a new aircraft registration heavy production schedules by pro- access and security for people and and attributes this largely to word of and management service named Fly- viding 24-hour air charter support equipment. On board, actors can mouth. Mann. Its manager Katherine Ellis for the world-wide film industry. relax being, prepare and have confi- explains: “Owners and operators of Pinewood is one of the world’s pre- dential discussions without being Mechanics private aircraft are looking for a tax mier studios, and private air charter overheard by fellow passengers on He says: “While the mechanics of efficient ownership structure, plus has increased dramatically over the scheduled flights. Oxygen 4 assists private jet brokerage cannot really exemplary financial and fiduciary be altered, it is about how we go management of what are very valu- about achieving the right results. Recent rapid growth, prompted by able assets. There are many parallels Quality doesn’t necessarily come at factors such as security, conven- with superyacht ownership, and we a cost and vice-versa, so price does ience and cost, is another striking have based the new service on not have to compromise quality.” feature of private aviation. In 2005- Equiom’s market-leading Yachts- The company operates a policy of 6, private aircraft sales grew by 24 Mann superyacht registration and strict confidentiality, and all it will per cent worldwide, and manufac- management operation.” admit to is having worked for gov- turers predict further increases. On board to advise is Captain ernments, large financial institu- This has prompted the authorities John Hills, former head of general tions, and stars of sport, film and on the Isle of Man to establish its aviation and chief flight examiner at other media. Assignments have own aircraft register. The tax the UK’s Civil Aviation Authority.

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The popularity of commercial helicopter flights increases the pressure for another London landing ground

City of London bonuses may have executive helicopter operating and eclipsed those in New York, yet the charter company, established 25 wealthy UK capital has only one hel- years ago. It manages von Essen’s icopter landing ground. Opened in helicopters at airfields at Blackbushe, 1959 and situated at Battersea on on the Surrey-Hampshire border, and the south bank of the River Thames, Denham in Buckinghamshire. The four and a half miles from the Palace hotel group bought PremiAir from of Westminster and seven miles Sir Robert McAlpine in March. from the City, it was recently re- Battersea is the victim of its own named London Heliport. success. With helicopter movements The City did have a floating heli- up 20 per cent last year, it has copter pad on the Thames, near St reached its annual limit of 6,000 Paul’s Cathedral, but it was closed commercial landings and 6,000 down in 1985. take-offs. Operations are restricted Now the shabby Battersea site, to 7am-7.30 pm on weekdays always controversial because of its (extended to 11pm with prior notice) nuisance value amid a densely-pop- and 8am-6pm on weekends and ulated residential area, is to be given bank holidays. Only exemptions are a radical facelift by its new owner, flights by medical, police and other Where they provide seamless inter- Calls from the flight deck of a Top New look for Battersea. Above A the von Essen luxury hotel group, emergency services. line connections with arriving jets, Global Express or Gulfstream 550 helicopter can reaches Battersea in 10 which paid £50 million. So, says PremiAir managing commercial helicopters play a key heading into London Luton are not minutes from Biggin Hill and 15 minutes Due for completion in early 2009, director David McRobert: “We have role in the continued expansion of uncommon as clients decide they from Farnborough a world-class business aviation no option but to introduce a slot the buoyant private aviation sector. want to get into London quickly and facility is promised. Though plans allocation system soon.” “We are operating time need a helicopter waiting on the tar- safety is often in the spotlight. are yet to be finalised, the intention McRobert is not alone in wanting machines,” says McRobert, who mac when they land. Though industry statistics don’t dif- is to demolish the existing terminal, another helipad in London. So too cites clients commuting by private ferentiate between utility operations – creating much-needed extra heli- does Richard Gooding, managing jet from their homes in the South of Business police, emergency and flying school copter parking space and build a 70- director of London City Airport, but France to Biggin Hill or Farnbor- Though 70 per cent of PremiAir’s heli- sorties – and those of smart, start-of- bedroom luxury hotel alongside. not on his patch. Though both agree ough at 8am on Mondays. They copter movements are business relat- the-art executive helicopters. This will feature direct passenger a nearby site with easy surface don’t want to sit in traffic for two ed, demand from corporate events is “People don’t compare a small access to the helipad, a health spa access would be ideal. Opened in hours on their way into central increasing the overlap between the general aviation aircraft like a Piper and panoramic rooftop restaurant 1995 amid the refocused Docklands London, whereas a helicopter leisure and business sectors. High- Cherokee with a Gulfstream V,” com- with views of the river. downstream from the centre, Lon- reaches Battersea in 10 minutes profile examples include the Chel- ments David McRobert. “Yet they The operation will continue to be don City now handles 13,000 private from Biggin Hill and 15 minutes tenham Festival in March, last week’s view a small private pilot-operated run by PremiAir, the UK’s largest jet movements a year. from Farnborough. Royal Ascot and the British Grand helicopter like a Robinson R22 as on Prix the weekend after next. Ascot a par with a Sikorsky S76, flown by alone accounted for more than 100 an experienced commercial pilot. PremiAir flights from London. But, in fact, the safety record of com- The company’s fleet – Sikorsky mercial public transport helicopters 76s, Eurocopter Twin Squirrels and a is as good as regional airlines.” Bell 222 – flies about 4,000 hours a year, and it is considering adding Industry medium-sized craft such as the The whole industry is now taking Agusta Grand and Bell 430. In addi- noise and other environmental con- tion it manages 20 executive heli- siderations seriously, and PremiAir copters for companies or individuals. works closely on these with the Unsurprisingly, it is far easier to British Helicopter Advisory Board deliver clients around the UK and the British Business and General regions, the main prerequisites being Aviation Association BBGA. a large, open landing ground and “Some of our clients ask how green permission from the landowner. “We our helicopters are, and want to be have access to 12,000 landing sites involved in carbon offset schemes,” around the country,” says McRobert. says McRobert. “We are taking this on “We often land on gardens, cricket board, and will make it a priority over pitches and fields. And, for example the coming months. In the meantime, Bristol has Filton Airport, very close we are mindful of reducing speed and to the city centre, while Cardiff and noise over built-up areas, London Newcastle have their own heliports.” especially, and we avoid unnecessary To the chagrin of operators, helicopter flying over sensitive areas.” AN INDEPENDENT SUPPLEMENT FROM MEDIAPLANET ABOUT PRIVATE AVIATION, DISTRIBUTED IN THE TIMES 15 Aviation heritage very much alive

Farnborough has seen Defence Research Agency in 1991; it all and now enjoys a the DRA and other MoD organisations were merged into the Defence new era Evaluation & Research Agency in 1995; DERA was part privatised in Farnborough is the gateway 2001, splitting it into the govern- through which Britain entered the ment’s Defence, Science & Technol- aviation age. Close to Aldershot, ogy Laboratory and a public-pri- “home of the British army”, it saw vate partnership named QinetiQ. the establishment of HM Balloon The Farnborough site is also home Factory in 1908 to provide artillery to the Air Accidents Investigation regiments with more effective Branch and the British National spotting. This establishment was Space Centre. renamed the Royal Aircraft Facto- ry in 1911, and generated a number Development of designs, some of which went The RAE was so central to aeronau- into series production during tical development that during World World War I. War II, it is thought, Hitler avoided faster with demonstrations of Once the Ministry of Defence con- ̆ Farnborough’s triple-wave hangar bombing the site in the hope of Britain’s civil and military aeronau- cluded the 600-acre Farnborough Talent using it for further research once tical prowess. airfield was surplus to requirements, Among the talent developed during England was occupied. In 1962 it became a biennial inter- it began a handover to TAG on a ough’s CEO Brandon O’Reilly points this period were Geoffrey de Havil- Countless initiatives from the national event, hosting exhibitors long lease, with the proviso that it out that it is devoted to business fly- land, who later founded his own RAE have spurred the progress of from all over the world, and nowa- was to be used only for business avi- ing. He says: “There are very few ded- company and created the first jet aviation worldwide, and Farnbor- days it alternates with the Paris Air ation and the Air Show. icated business aviation airports – airliner, the Comet, and Henry Fol- ough’s record includes the first UK Show. TAG’s aim has been to preserve there are commercial airports such as land, later chief designer at Gloster flight by a jet aircraft and fatigue- The 2006 Farnborough Air Show Farnborough’s history and also to Luton and Stansted, and then there Aircraft Company and founder of testing on the Concorde prototype attracted 42 official delegations establish it as Europe’s Number 1 are smaller airports which also deal in Folland Aircraft. during the 1960s. from around the world, 1,360 com- all-business airport. Improvements general aviation such as flying clubs, Once the Royal Air Force was mercial and other exhibitors and embrace resurfacing the runway, etc. But the facilities at Farnborough established in 1918, Farnborough Flying bedstead 243,000 visitors. It was credited with installing new ILS/DME - instrument are absolutely dedicated to business was renamed the Royal Aircraft More mature readers may recall the generating $21 billion of aviation land system and distance measuring aviation – there’s nothing else like it, Establishment, and remained as first public appearances of the “fly- orders, and contributed more than equipment, new lighting and sig- certainly in Europe. such until 1988, when it was ing bedstead”, precursor of the Har- £17 million to the local economy. nage, and many other safety and “Only 10-20 per cent of our cus- redesignated as the Royal Aero- rier jump-jet, and many other inno- After a 50-acre site on the south environmental upgrades. tomers come through the terminal – space Establishment to keep up vations at the Farnborough Air side of the airfield was put out for Significant though these are, they we have around 50 flights taking off with the times. Show, which opened to the public to commercial tender, Carroll Aircraft do not match the visual impact of per day, with the average number of Then the changes came thick and in 1949. It soon became a national established a civil area1989, but its Farnborough’s award-winning passengers per flight being around fast: RAE was absorbed into the institution, making hearts beat holding company went bust in 1995. imaginative new buildings, two people. So that’s 100 outbound r designed by Reid Architecture to passengers, of which only 20 or so form a unified business aviation will use the terminal.” y “campus”. This embraces a very Farnborough is also the base for striking control tower, triple hangar, Flight Safety International’s Euro- Service with a smile and completely refurbished engi- pean training centre, representing a y neering installations. major investment by FSI, and its Yorkshire aviation company Multiflight has been named second in Europe for customer service is a great reflection largest pilot training school outside one of Europe’s leading FBOs - fixed based operators. The on the emphasis we place on satisfying clients’ needs and Construction the USA. Opened in 2005, the 92,000 accolade came after going that extra mile The construction programme culmi- sq ft facility houses 15 full flight sim- a nine-month survey for them whatever nated in May last year when the ulators for business jets, regional air- of qualified, aircraft their requirements Duke of York opened the impressive craft and helicopters, as well as inter- operating readers of may be. executive terminal building. Costing active classrooms, high-tech training European Business “This can mean £10.2 million, this 54,000 sq ft facil- devices and pilot briefing rooms. Air News (EBAN). out-of-hours work ity provides ground services for A 180-room four-star hotel is due r This is the first or, as in one business aircraft, and is also TAG for completion at London Farnbor- year that Multiflight instance, searching Farnborough’s operational HQ. It ough Airport in mid-2008. It is has appeared in the the length and features a cafe and conference facil- hoped it will find favour with pas- EBAN survey’s top breadth of Yorkshire ities for passengers and pilots. sengers, crews, pilots attending 25 European FBOs. for a particular wine. Most airports have to watch their FlightSafety courses and the local The firm, which han- We have also been Ps and Qs in relation to nearby resi- business community. dles all private avia- known to get fish dential communities. Farnborough’s Also part of the TAG group – with tion and business and chips for clients. operating hours are restricted to the McLaren Formula 1 team, TAG flights at Leeds Brad- And, when one client 7am-10pm on weekdays and 8am- Farnborough and TAG Aeronautics – Picture: Gulfstream rford International wanted a Racing 8pm at weekends, and weekend TAG Aviation is currently the Airport, was voted second best for customer service, Post, we went to a number of shops to find one. Whatever movements are strictly limited. world’s largest operator of charter joint-second for technical capabilities, joint-third for we do it is always with a smile.” Overall, there is a cap of 28,000 executive aircraft. It owns, manages operations and joint-11th overall. This placed it above far Multiflight regularly handles calls from emergency take-offs and landings a year. and operates nearly 200 aircraft, ylarger FBOs such as Heathrow and Dublin.Multiflight’s crews and is always on stand-by to get extra staff in at However, the problem may not be which have flown more than 17,000 handling manager Heather Cawthorne said: “To be voted whatever hour to deal with these calls. as serious as it at first seems, Farnbor- hours in the past 12 months.