Reflecting on a ‘rollercoaster of two years,’ “we have almost forgotten the language of good, but we saw just that in 2022 across all parts of our business”, highlighted Alex Durand, CEO of SaxonAir and Deputy Chair of the British Business General Aviation Association (BBGA). “Now we are debating whether we reinvest or just stay as we are.”
Durand was speaking in London during a media briefing at BBGA’s annual conference, sponsored by Hunt & Palmer Group.
George Galanopoulos, Chair and CEO of Luxaviation UK agreed. “Last summer, Luxaviation welcomed six aircraft to the global fleet, five available for charter from a Bombardier Global 5000 to a Beechcraft King Air 200. This led to a positive outlook for 2023. The effects of Brexit have got better, although some countries are more challenging than others”, he said.
“Despite experiencing two of the most difficult years, we doubled the size of our group in 2022”, said Gus Paterson, COO of Centreline.
The company was also successful with an MoD bid to source and procure two (Falcon 900LX) VIP aircraft and bring them into service.
In addition, Pula Aviation Services is extending its Part 145 capability in Guernsey to Northolt Airport.
SaxonAir, part of the Klyne Aviation Group, also runs the Business Aviation Centre and hangar facility at Norwich Airport. “Our hangar space is full of tenants and our operations, especially helicopter charter, (which has grown where airlines and train operators have reduced their services), is doing well,” added Durand.
SaxonAir just sold its new Leonardo AW109SP Grand and expects to increase its managed helicopter fleet from five to 10 aircraft this year. A new Embraer Phenom 300, available for charter from London Oxford Airport, has just joined its managed fixed wing fleet.
