Far North Aviation is continuing to tout itself as a fuel tax haven for business aviation users flying transatlantic. Speaking from the Wick airport-based FBO, proprietor Andrew Bruce told EBAN: “For Europe-bound traffic wishing to avoid the high tax charges associated with the purchase of Jet A 1 turbine fuel in France, Germany, Switzerland and most other European locations, we are an excellent alternative.

“The fuel prices in Europe are currently horrendous for business with a tax. I would think it’s quite viable for folk who are coming over, if they’re going to refuel, to refuel in the UK to avoid the high taxes in Europe.

“Another advantage of using Wick as compared to other larger airports is, given its geographic location, it is ideally suited as a first or last landfall for transatlantic traffic routing via Iceland or Greenland to the Americas.”

Bruce says that the majority of Far North’s traffic is, at the moment, East-West, with popular routes including Germany, France and Holland to Florida (where there are a lot of dealers) and the Midwest. He explained: “There’s a flow both ways but dependent on the dollar rate, it changes in volume. In other words, the West-East traffic was good a year ago but now, since the dollar has changed greatly, all the aircraft are going West to get better money out of Europe.”

Generally speaking Far North handles ferry traffic which, says Bruce, is only interested in a very quick turnaround. “That's how you get business,” he said “you give it to them, ten minutes ago.”

He added: “Wick can boast a turnaround time superior to most other UK airports for two reasons. Firstly Far North Aviation the handling agent is also the appointed customs and immigration agent, thus reducing delays associated with larger airports to nil. Given the lower volume of traffic experienced in the north of the UK, slot time and other air traffic delays are non-existent.

“Secondly, hangarage space at Wick is unlimited and is offered to business jets at rates comparable to apron parking charges. The facility is also attractive to business jets night-stopping, who want early morning departures without the hassle and cost and subsequent delays associated with de-icing.”

One regular visitor to Far North’s Wick facility, despite breaking her collar bone last year, is the Queen Mother. Twice a year, she pays a visit to Balmoral castle, which is ten miles from Wick airport. Said Bruce: “She’s incredible. I’ve been here for 9 years, I watch her walk up the stairs of the 146 and I can’t believe this woman is 100 years of age. She’s unreal.”

Over the next 12 months, Far North is hoping for an increase in business due to a general increase in aircraft sales. Bruce said: “There are a lot of new aeroplanes being sold in the States, from small aircraft right up to a Global Express. I would like to think that I could get some of their business, as the aircraft are being delivered to Europe and indeed, further east.

“As long as Europeans are making orders for aircraft, I’ll be happy.”