Newcastle’s Samson Jet Centre recently celebrated its tenth anniversary. Assistant manager Geoff Davis told EBAN: “The Jet Centre certainly has a far higher profile than it ever had before. When we started in June 1993, light aircraft were encouraged to use the facility along with transatlantic delivery flights. Now the operations have developed so much that we regularly handle aircraft such as the Global Express on the north side of the airport.”

During this decade, Samson has seen more than its fair share of celebrities pass through. “We’ve handled Sir Elton John, Bon Jovi, Van Morrison, Bryan Adams, Robbie Williams, The Corrs, Elle Macpherson and Naomi Campbell, among others. We get a real variety of people using this side of the airport because it’s very well positioned and in a quiet location. We can bring very high profile guests through the facility without the general public pestering them in any way.

“The local Telewest Arena holds a number of high-profile concerts, so we see these personalities along

with Premiership football teams flying in. I believe all the London-based Premiership teams, apart

from Chelsea, route through our facility to play Newcastle United. Southampton, Newcastle and Sunderland (who unfortunately have been relegated) also chartered private aircraft, to look after their away fixtures last season. The type of aircraft used were generally Dornier 328s and 146s, which were large enough to carry the team and staff. High profile directors and chairman who come through would be more likely to use private jets.”

Samson was initially involved with engineering and maintenance. “Unfortunately these ventures didn’t become the big money spinners intended, so that side of the operation ceased and the concentration shifted to looking after aircraft upon arrival. The fuelling side is also a large part of the operation. Last year and the year before, we pumped just over 1.5 million litres of jet fuel, which was a first for the company. The MoD has also chosen to use our services for a second contractual term, which means we’ll be handling C130s, DC-10s and TriStars. We also look after the Belgian Air Force when their Airbus comes through,” said Davis.

The contract with the MoD also brings through a number of high profile guests, from statesmen through to the Royal Family. “We work closely with Northumbria police and the Special Branch as well as Newcastle Airport Security to ensure everything is undertaken in conjunction with the regulations laid down by the CAA,” he added.

The company has continued to see a steady increase in traffic passing through its facilities. Davis said: “Even prior to September 11, we were seeing an upturn in the amount of business aircraft passing through here. A lot of people from different corporate businesses around the northern region are using private aircraft, when once upon a time they wouldn’t have done. And the area has developed so much within the last five years that the necessity for private charters has also increased. A few companies based in the region also have their own private aircraft, so we look after them.

“Now we’re just looking to

develop within the boundaries we’re set and to actively encourage more aircraft to visit.”