Business aviation group purchasing organisation AVIAA has added privately-owned Global Trek Aviation to its network. An open day will be held on 30 July at the new Cardiff FBO.

Global Trek Aviation opened jet handling facilities on the south side of Cardiff airport two months ago, investing in a brand new facility featuring a dedicated passenger lounge, private offices, crew briefing centre and flight operations facilities, plus an integrated security suite. The new FBO mirrors its award-winning handling facility at Belfast International, which has been operational for five years. The company is a 24/7 full service operation, offering its own dedicated in-house Jet A1 fuel service with its own Jet A1 fuel truck fleet, in collaboration with Gulf Aviation. It has been an Air BP Sterling Card seller since 2018.

“We heard about the great work AVIAA has been contributing to the industry over the past 18 months of its existence, helping its member operators to significantly lower their costs. After a very positive meeting with Sarah Holian, initially in the UK and then with AVIAA MD Irena Deville, we couldn't wait to sign up and give something back to the industry,” says Global Trek Aviation's commercial director Colin Gordon.

Gordon previously held flight operations and commercial roles in Scotland and London Luton with Ocean Sky, RSS Jet Centre and latterly Landmark Aviation. Together with CEO David McColm and COO Gordon Bingham, he moved into Belfast when the Scottish Government denationalised their former home at Prestwick airport.

“We are delighted to welcome Global Trek Aviation, an important UK regional airport FBO supplier,” adds Irena Deville. “We are committed to offering a diverse and wide-range of FBOs for our members and the high quality and variety of services Global Trek offers makes their two FBOs excellent additions to our growing international FBO network.”

Global Trek's facilities handle VIP jets, including commercial airliners on ad hoc charter. Its 24/7 service offering also extends to delivery flights, air ambulance, tech stops and ferry flights, as well as support for government and military flights. Pet importation is another popular service.

Since its formal launch in May 2018, AVIAA has grown to now provide procurement services for over 1,000 aircraft, partners with over 70 preferred suppliers, and nearly 150 international FBO locations. It has added a new European office in Munich, Germany now headed by Irena Deville, whose former UK-based GPO business Convolus was acquired by AVIAA in January.

AVIAA's current member fleet is made up of North American, European and Middle Eastern operators, and its expanding international supply chain has started to garner interest from Asia and Africa as well. It is also growing its presence in the Middle East, working with industry partners such as Jetex Flight Support.