Newly named 'FlairJet' firms up on two Embraer Phenom 100s, service start planned for May 2009 from Oxford Airport, UK | Press Release

See more information from the Business Air News Handbook

Press Release

Issued by FXAir.

September 25, 2008

Newly named 'FlairJet' firms up on two Embraer Phenom 100s, service start planned for May 2009 from Oxford Airport, UK

FlairJet, a new private jet charter operator, plans to launch operations from Oxford Airport, UK from May 2009, flying an initial two Embraer Phenom 100 Very Light Jets. The company's backers also have further lease options for Year 2010 delivery. FlairJet's first purchased aircraft arrives in 2012.

FlairJet is being headed by Monarch Airlines' Airbus A320 Captain David Fletcher who is planning a route network of charter services with the four-seat jets. FlairJet's Phenom 100s, which will feature stylish interiors from BMWDesignWorks USA, will have a range of 1,160 nm (with reserves) enabling easy reach to cities in mainland Europe, domestic UK routes and also Scotland and Ireland, where there is big appeal for short leisure/sporting breaks.

Gerry Rolls, former Flight Operations Director at Air Atlantique has been newly appointed as FlairJet's Head of Flight Operations and is now engaged in securing the company's Air Operating Certificate (AOC), as well as recruiting for post holders and pilots. He will also serve as training captain on the Phenom. David Fletcher, who will go part time with Monarch from November this year to devote more time to FlairJet, will also fly the Phenom.

FlairJet, which started life as a working project earlier this year under VLJ Consultancy Ltd, plans to move in to Oxford Airport's Farmhouse Building, effective early March, 2009.

Backed by London-based lawyers

FlairJet has the financial backing of three London-based lawyers who have wholeheartedly embraced this exciting new business model, says Fletcher. They also backed the decision to base the company at Oxford Airport, whose new owners have committed to a sizeable programme of investment in new facilities, including a smart new business aviation terminal, oxfordjet. "Oxford Airport in the Thames Valley is well positioned outside the congested London TMA (terminal movement area) with close proximity of the M40, A34, A40 and A44 road networks. It has no slot restrictions, unlike other London-centric business airports and its fees and charges are very attractive for the small business jet operator."

"Oxford Airport will be the centre of the wheel and we are looking forward to adding the spokes," he added. "We are extremely confident with our choice of aircraft too, for performance and for our, passengers' comfort." The Phenom 100 will fly at 380kts and have a certified ceiling at 41,000ft. European EASA certification is expected in early 2009.

For the longer term, FlairJet is looking at the larger Phenom 300 or possibly the Embraer Legacy 500 for future growth.

Separately, VLJ Consultancy Limited will continue to run as an independent company (with a small staff). It will offer Very Light Jet procurement, certification and management, pilot, engineer and ferry solutions, AOC solutions and expertise on aircraft training and mentoring.