Eye on Executive Travel
Through Pandemics And Beyond – Woodgate Aviation Plans For A HighFlying Future
The simple fact that Woodgate Aviation ranks as the longest-established operator at Belfast International Airport says something about the longevity of the company Mike Woodgate established 52 years ago...as well as something about the tough nature of the aviation business.
“W David Shaw, Accountable Manager at Woodgate
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e’ve seen a lot of different airlines come and go here at Aldergrove,” says David Shaw, Accountable Manager at Woodgate. “But we’ve kept going throughout.” In fact, today’s company is thriving and has been left relatively unscathed by the Covid pandemic. There’s every chance that it can reap the benefits of a change in business travel habits as a result of the crisis. Today’s Woodgate operates from a vast hangar and ultramodern operations base at the north western end of Belfast International’s main runway. From there, it flies air ambulance (Medevac) trips to and from other UK airports. It also operates regular air survey flights, and true to its roots, it runs a busy private charter business. It was as an air taxi operation that Woodgate began way back in
1969 with Captain Mike Woodgate offering private flights to GB and beyond in a twin-engined Piper Aztec or single-engine Cherokee. “Air charter still forms the mainstay of our operation,” says David Shaw. “We’re able to get our passengers to their destination and back cost effectively and without any of the hassle of modern day airports and airlines.” Passengers can simply park outside the private Woodgate base or be dropped off there and be on board and ready to take off within minutes. But, if there is any waiting involved, there’s a comfortable and fully-equipped
departure lounge on site. “The big advantage is speed and convenience but it’s also a very discreet service,” adds Keith McKay, Woodgate’s Operations Manager. “Our customers travel well away from the hustle and bustle of the airport terminal.” Woodgate’s larger King Air aircraft (the company has two on its fleet) operate regularly in air ambulance configuration, bringing seriously ill patients to GB hospitals for transplants and other lifesaving operations and transporting local patients home from Britain or overseas. Patients are cared for on board by specialist medical teams
