Signature Flight Support has teamed up with Animal Aircare to enable the availability of pet clearance checks for passengers at its London Luton terminal. The licensed provider of pet checks will perform the necessary review directly onboard an aircraft to allow for quicker journeys.

The new service enables travellers arriving via charter aircraft in the UK to be accompanied by their cat, dog or ferret. Animals arriving in the United Kingdom from international destinations are subject to an entry check in accordance with UK Animal & Plant Health Agency requirements.

“The incorporation of pet screenings at our London Luton FBO is illustrative of how we approach continuous improvement of the customer experience,” explains John-Angus Smith, managing director EMEA for Signature Flight Support. “Luton Airport's proximity to central London has long made it a popular choice for business and private aviation travellers, and we can now extend the same globally-renowned service to our customers' pets.”

UK entry checks for pets conducted onboard an arriving aircraft include reviewing its travel documents and confirming its identity via an embedded microchip. Checks typically take around 10 minutes and for more complex verification needs Animal Aircare operates a pet reception centre at the airport. Screenings require 24 hours advanced notice. The service is available to aircraft charter companies holding an AOC and require prior certification that Signature can assist in obtaining.