UK-headquartered Smart Aviation was founded 15 years ago in 2005 by managing director Mark Hawkins, an established sports charter specialist with over 25 years' experience in senior operational roles within the travel and aviation industry. Previously he managed sports charters at Excel Airways, where one of his achievements was to arrange to fly over 4,000 fans to a football final.

Over the last 15 years, Hawkins has dedicated much of his time to sports clients, overseeing thousands of charters to high profile fixtures and tournaments. He says: “Sport is definitely at the core of what we do as a company, and I have drawn on my many years of experience to develop a highly skilled team that offers a truly personal service to all our clients. The key to our success is flexibility, as each client's requirements vary considerably, and our goal is to exceed expectations every time.”

Following a record-breaking 2019, when over 6,000 fans were flown to Six Nations matches on 38 separately chartered flights, 2020 is set to be another impressive year. When the tournament kicks off on 1 February, Smart Aviation will be involved in chartering flights to Paris, Dublin, Cardiff, Rome, Edinburgh and London, through some of the largest sport specialist tour operators in Europe. Each of the flights will be seen off by a Smart Aviation representative on departure.

The company also provides air travel for global sports teams to key sporting fixtures including Champions League and Premier League football matches, as well as to ice hockey, boxing, basketball, golf, motorsport and cricket tournaments.

Hawkins adds: “We are excited to be entering our 15th year with not only a fantastic Six Nations charter operation but also a substantial pilgrim charter programme, where Smart Aviation will operate 150 flights to the holy city of Lourdes between February and October. As well as running our established private jet service, 2020 will be a very active year for the team.”

The company has also welcomed Adam Wilson to its growing charter team. Wilson has eight years of aviation and travel experience, a strong background in sales and a great understanding of client relationships and the aviation industry. "I enjoy a challenge and look forward to stepping into a rewarding role,” he says.