While remaining open during the COVID-19 lockdown, On Air Dining’s focus on investment and efficiency has led to July and August revenues being 45 per cent ahead of projections and trending higher than the London private aviation recovery rate. At a time when survival required bold decisions, CEO Daniel Hulme chose to remain operational during the lockdown period to properly support customers flying through the pandemic.

With the majority of private aviation caterers closed for business during lockdown, his decision has proved to be a successful one as customers old and new have returned to OAD’s quality and service as business aviation continues to lead the post-COVID lockdown recovery. On Air Dining has maintained 40 per cent revenue from newly acquired customers, despite its competition reopening in July. Both its Stansted and Farnborough facilities were streamlined for efficiency to better service last minute requests. Farnborough airport maintained its position as one of the busiest airports in the London area and so it was necessary to hire additional staff at the Farnborough unit to meet current demand and future growth, despite other caterers laying people off and closing facilities.

Hulme comments: “It was important to me that we remain open during lockdown to continue to support our customers and crews in their effort to get passengers and supplies safely to their destination. It was most certainly a risk, but it has paid off in customer goodwill and, of course, increase in market share. I’m incredibly proud of our success in such a competitive market and feel we are better positioned for growth in the post-recovery market. The team’s dedication to safety, service and continual improvement was key.”