Ravenair, incorporating Liverpool Aviation Services, has continued the progressive expansion of its base, fleet, and operations by purchasing an additional Partenavia PN68 early this year.

The aircraft joins two other PN68s, which are currently used for surveying for oil companies and environmental agencies around the UK and Europe.

“We chose to increase the fleet size due to the additional survey and environmental flying that we were being contracted to perform,” said operations director Wayne Barrett. “At the moment the new PN68 does not have any extra features. We have fitted Skywatch and high intensity strobe light (HISL) to the initial aircraft in the fleet. All of the aircraft have been fitted with Garmin 430, Mode S and ELTs.”

The main use for the PN68 fleet is for survey flying but also some passenger and light freight trips. Since Ravenair started operating 24 years ago, it has expanded greatly from its original flying school operations. It provides pilot training, passenger and freight charter, aerial photography, survey work, Part 145 maintenance and, due to its association with LAS, handling and brokerage services. The company also operates four Piper Aztecs, two Piper Senecas, and a King Air.

According to the company, the continued face-lift and expansion to the facilities at Liverpool have been met with positive customer reactions. The Business Aviation Centre, which provides executive aircraft handling and hangarage, charter, car hire, conference facilities for up to 25 delegates, and a furnished passenger lounge with hospitality bar, has

also proven popular.

“Ever more people are using Liverpool John Lennon Airport for business and pleasure. In August last year, we opened the second phase of the Business Aviation Centre which gave an additional 17,000 sq. ft of hangarage together with additional engineering and office space. This included a new approval for a Ni-Cad battery shop on site,” said Barrett. “We also laid the concrete slab for our third hangar, which we expect to build within two years.”