E U R O P E A N
BUSINESS AIR NEWS ISSUE 205
JULY 2010
Capital Air Charter wins new air ambulance contract
Two years ‘free’ flights from bargain Beech 400A UK businessman Barry Fehler is among entrepreneurs who have turned the fall in pre-owned aircraft prices to their advantage. Fehler has acquired a Beechjet 400A which he says cost him half of what he could have expected to pay before the occurrence global economic downturn. “That effectively means I can enjoy two years of ‘free’ flying,” says Fehler. “With a cruising speed of well over 500 mph, the Beechjet’s performance compares well with a commercial B737 or Airbus 320 which means I can have a morning business meeting in the UK and still make it to my Malaga home by early afternoon.” He adds: “The Beechjet can comfortably accommodate six people and with a range of nearly 2,000 miles I can fly direct to pretty much anywhere in Europe or North Africa. “Having my own jet really works for me. For example, if I travel by commercial airline the only business class seats available out of London airports are from Heathrow and the timings are inconvenient. I often need to do a day’s business in London but I can’t get an early morning business class departure from Malaga to any London airport and be back in the evening.” The Beechjet 400A was acquired through Atlantic Bridge Aviation (ABA) and is chartered through ABA's charter service division World Executive Airways. ABA md Jonathan Gordon says: “Used jet prices have hit rock bottom following a two year slump. Anyone making the right purchase will see their asset appreciate as the economy begins to recover.” But Gordon advises those who are tempted to buy not to wait too long: “Once price guide indications show pre-owned values beginning to firm up, some owners will hang on before selling to ensure they get the best price.” The Beechjet 400A was found by ABA in the US. Fehler says: “Purchasing the aircraft through ABA took the stress and worry out of the deal. I was kept informed each step of the way through sourcing, re-fitting and delivery and it has worked out very well.”
Wijet plans coordinated launch in France and Belgium page 3 GlobeAir builds successful seven-strong Mustang fleet page 4 For details of how to enter, see page 3.
For details of how to enter, see page 3. Marshall Executive Aviation takes over management of Challenger 300 page 5
Jet Ready promises to Eclipse rivals Spanish charter operator Jet Ready reports a successful launch of what is billed as Europe’s first air taxi operation based on the Eclipse 500. Ignacio Garcia, ceo, says the company plans a fleet of three by September. Full story page 5.
Cirrus Airlines founder to pilot new helicopter business interests Gerd Brandecker, founder and owner of Cirrus Airlines and Aviation Investment GmbH, has acquired shares in two Munich-based helicopter flight operators. Together with his business partner Axel-Georg André, owner of the cigar company Arnold André, the aviation entrepreneur now holds a 75 per cent stake in HTM Helicopter Travel Munich GmbH. Hans Ostler is the other partner in the firm. Brandecker, a helicopter pilot, had already bought up a 50 per cent stake in MHS Helicopter Flugservice GmbH in December 2009. “This latest move sees MHS become a full subsidiary of HTM,” Brandecker explains. He adds: “Against the backdrop of the current global economy, the importance of helicopter services
Gerd Brandecker: adding helicopter capability.
which offer a high level of mobility and flexibility is growing rapidly. Short notice charter flights, rescue flights, offshore hoist operations and
offshore passenger transportation are increasingly sought after. This move therefore represents an investment in a growing market which places exacting demands on crew, material and service quality. HTM and MHS are in an excellent position to fulfil those demands.” Brandecker, aged 54, has flown helicopters for 15 years, is an instrument rated flying instructor and holds a commercial pilot license, airline transport pilot license and a captain’s license for Learjets and the Gulfstream 550. In 1995 he founded Cirrus Airlines, a partner of Lufthansa and Swiss, which currently operates a fleet of 15 aircraft on various routes around Europe. Brandecker says: “The acquisition of stakes in helicopter flight operators will enable the further expansion and
For fuel, ground services and all your trip arrangements
SPECIAL FOCUSES Review of Belgium Reducing fuel costs
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The UK’s Capital Air Charter has won the contract to provide the Isle of Man air ambulance requirements after a competitive tendering process which began in September last year. As well as currently operating over 1,000 flights per year into and out of Ronaldsway airport, Capital Air Charter also provides the air ambulance service for Jersey’s health and social services department under a similar agreement. Chief pilot and md Capt Malcolm Humphries says: “Capital officially took over the delivery of the Isle of Man service from May this year. We are very proud to have been chosen as this sector is very competitive with many excellent providers. Our selection shows that Capital is clearly one of the market leaders for air ambulance provision around the UK and Europe.” He adds: “We are basing at least one aircraft permanently in the Isle of Man and have recruited and are training new personnel, also to be based at Ronaldsway, and we’ve been providing an excellent service.” The Isle of Man’s minister for health David Anderson says: “While I appreciate change is always difficult, the new provider will offer the same high standards of services we have come to expect.” Capital Air Charter has also taken delivery of a third King Air 200 which joins a fleet that includes six PA31 Chieftains. “This new aircraft was ordered to secure and maintain Capital’s position as one of the leading air charter operators in the UK,” Humphries says.
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coordination of a top class, serviceoriented aviation portfolio. The companies have already proved they complement each other: In the days that followed the volcanic eruption in Iceland, Cirrus Airlines united with HTM to set up a helicopter shuttle route from Munich.” HTM holds IFR and offshore licenses and runs its own flying school. Founded by Ostler in 1997, it operates 13 helicopters including the A109, EC135 and 145, AS350 and EC 120 operating from bases at Munich, Ottensoos near Nuremberg, Emden and Salzburg. Its 50-plus team includes 20 pilots and offers charter services, offshore passenger transport including hoist operations on the open sea, cargo flights, external load flights, rescue Continued on page 5