Synergy Aviation has expanded its presence at London Oxford airport by positioning a Cessna Citation CJ2 there, supported by a full-time, local flight crew. The aircraft can be dispatched for charter within an hour of confirmation through charter brokers or directly through Synergy.

The operator has had a Citation Bravo 550 positioned at Oxford since early 2019. The CJ2 will also be looked after by JMI International, the Citation MRO specialist also based at Oxford. JMI, which recently opened an extended facility at the airport, also supports Synergy's Mustang, which resides at Blackbushe airport.

“We are delighted with the services we receive from London Oxford airport in support of our busy charter operation and for regular maintenance inputs via JMI,” comments Synergy owner and chairman Glen Heavens. “Having one of our Bravos based there was a key factor in choosing Oxford as the CJ2's home. The airport is popular with owners with its extended opening hours, sensible fuel and handling prices through the OxfordJet FBO and quality of hangarage. It is well located, equidistant between London Heathrow and Birmingham and a 75-minute drive from our home at Fairoaks airport in Surrey.”

Synergy's latest CJ2 features a newly refurbished interior, seating four to seven passengers. It is said to be ideal for two and a half hour or more ski resort charters this winter. During the summer the aircraft has been active serving the usual charter destinations, especially Italy since many super yachts moved out there owing to quarantine-free status from the UK.

While its jet fleet now outnumbers its turboprop activity, Synergy remains a King Air charter specialist, and the type has become even more popular during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The trusted King Air is one of the most successful, flexible and cost-effective aircraft of all time. Textron has done an incredible job with the new King Air B360, and we are looking forward to seeing similar enhancements added to the rest of the family,” highlights Heavens. “Now we are operating from four London bases, we are seeing a notable increase in enquiries, with interest in our services from first time charterers and aircraft owners. Alas, COVID-19 is going to be with us for some time. We have responded by adding additional flight crew and increased our AOC coverage to operate a wider number of aircraft, including heavier business jets.”

James Dillon-Godfray, head of business development at London Oxford Airport, adds: “Since the onset of the pandemic, the demand for private travel is unquestionably on the up with the assurance of bare minimal contact possible when utilising such jets. It's great to have the CJ2 join our charter fleet; its size and range are ideal for the majority of requests we see for European trips. With direct access to the door of the aircraft by vehicles, it's possible here to go from aircraft touch-down to leaving the airport entrance by car in just four minutes. Some of the motorsports industry-related operations we handle have also benefited from the COVID-19 swab testing we can offer on a pre-bookable, on-arrival basis. Fast turnaround time results can be arranged from local Oxford laboratories if required.”