UK-based sports aircraft charter operator Smart Aviation has reported a record number of group charter bookings as the culmination of the 2021-2022 sporting seasons come to a climax this May. Over the last 17 years, the company has transported thousands of teams, media representatives, VIPs and sporting fans to high profile fixtures across the world. Following two years of restricted travel due to Covid-19, the sporting arm of the business is back with a bang, chartering an array of flights to key football and rugby tournament finals in Spain and France over the next few weeks.

Smart Aviation arranged 13 dedicated charters for Rangers FC fans, who saw their team beaten by Eintracht Frankfurt in the UEFA Europa League Final on 18 May. The complex schedule of flights included a mix of day trips and overnight trips from Glasgow to the beautiful Spanish city of Seville, where the match was played at the Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán Stadium.

Liverpool look to continue their winning streak following their FA Cup victory over Chelsea as they head to the UEFA Champions League Final in Paris on Saturday, 28 May to play against Real Madrid. Smart Aviation is arranging charters for Liverpool's fans, who hope to see their team lift the trophy for the seventh time.

The sports charter operation is also involved in the Rugby League's Heineken Champions Cup Final on Saturday, 28 May. Irish favourites Leinster will battle it out against La Rochelle in the beautiful Stade Vélodrome in Marseille, France. Passionate Irish fans will travel alongside sporting officials and VIPs to Marseille on a variety of different charters from Dublin, planned meticulously by the team, and it is also working on a range of bespoke private jet bookings for clients to travel to Paris, Seville and Marseille in style from a range of UK private jet terminals. Smart representatives will be on hand at each of the departing airports to ensure a smooth departure for both new and existing clients.

Smart Aviation was founded in 2005 by managing director Mark Hawkins, an established sports charter specialist with almost 30 years' experience in senior operational roles within the travel and aviation industry. Previously Hawkins managed sports charters at Excel Airways, which included flying over 4,000 fans to a football final.

Over the last 17 years, Hawkins has overseen thousands of charters to high profile fixtures and tournaments. He says: “We are delighted to be back doing such large volume sports charters. Sport has always been at the core of what we do as a company and unfortunately Covid hit this area of travel hard. Our highly skilled team offers a truly personal service to all our clients. The key to our success is flexibility, as each clients' requirements vary considerably, and our goal is to exceed expectations every time.”