Cello Aviation of Birmingham, UK, has extended the lease of its Avro RJ85 from aircraft lessor Falko. Ceo Nim Baines says that he is seeking a permanent second jet for its fleet once the aircraft goes into its major C-check, due in September. “The unit was due to be returned a couple of months ago but we extended the contract, and kept it a further six months,” he says.

“This time last year we were only running with the one jet – the Avro Business Jet 146. We own this aircraft and use it for vip. We've always wanted to be diverse and to move into different markets, and as well as being in business class we want to try ACMI too.”

When the opportunity arose with the RJ, Cello partnered with Kemble-based maintenance company Chevron Technical Services, and after flying it in partnership for a year, the operator entered into an agreement directly with Falko for the duration of the summer season. Baines continues: “We have a major contract with BA City Flyer and we are doing just over two and a half months flying for them. Once that has finished it will be entering the ad hoc charter market, and we have already been selling this.

“We can't cater for anything above 46 seats for vip. Unfortunately this aircraft isn't large enough to carry out ACMI for the major carriers, because they are looking for something with 150 capacity. But for the City Flyer contract it is working quite well and suits passenger numbers.”

Cello has also picked up some major music tours with its BAe 146. Baines reveals that in recent weeks he has had his eye on a Boeing 737 which has come onto the market. “This was something that we were looking to do maybe in a couple of years' time. When this came on the market we asked ourselves if we might be able to bring the goalposts forward, because the 737 is a far more modern aircraft and is longer haul.”

If successful in the bid, the operator will either configure the aircraft with 70 seats and fly long haul vip in a similar format to the BAe jet, or use 168 seats and run an ACMI contract. Baines believes that his company has built a solid foundation for carrying large numbers of passengers: with the BAe 146 the company flew 460 hours in 2010, its first year of business. In the second year of operation it completed 520 hours and in the third 550. Despite a reduction in music tour bookings, Cello still managed 540 hours last year. Baines maintains that his greatest challenge is to keep the aircraft flying: “If the unit is sitting on the ground it is not making you any money, and you are then scratching around just to cover your overheads. We have reduced our overheads by owning the jet outright.

“But you've still got the pilots' and engineer's salaries. Whether the unit is flying or not, it has still got to be maintained.”

He is proud of the company's heritage, which was carved out 'from nothing' almost four years ago: “My philosophy has always been that if you offer good old-fashioned service, you won't go far wrong.”

This year Cello has taken on new cabin crew and four flight crew, and the Middle Eastern market is a region that the company will be focusing on. “Many of the Sheikhs have family homes in Europe and bring their loved ones over with them, and our aircraft is just right for them. We've got two cargo holds so can carry up to three tonnes,” Baines concludes.