above, a UK entry jet provider focused on domestic and European on demand executive charter flights, has registered its first Embraer Phenom 100. Previously on the German registry, the former Arcus Air aircraft is now operating for Fly above, marking a key step forward in above's progress.

Its journey to service start, however, is taking longer than first envisaged, highlights founding CEO Vince Essex. Regulatory matters requiring the UK CAA's attention, relating to aircraft survey work, have yet to conclude. The aircraft is currently undergoing engineering work and inspection at Inflite Engineering at London Stansted airport as part of the UK CAA's change programme. Fellow Embraer operator Saxon Air at Norwich has been engaged to assist on the CAMO side.

“We are a couple of months behind but do hope for service entry in early May, ahead of the peak summer period,” explains Essex. “Commercially, we've been actively strengthening our foundations for launch, finalising a competitive city-pair pricing strategy to ensure a strong market entry.”

above has selected XLR Executive Jet Centre at Birmingham airport as its home, equidistant from London and Manchester Airports, where, in addition to executive charter requests, it is well placed for airline support work, capable of ferrying AOG parts, crew and medical-related flights. Its Phenom 100 has four club seats and is a lean jet alternative to scheduled services.

“XLR Birmingham is delighted to soon have a Phenom 100 light business jet available for charter directly from our base,” comments Chris Beer, director, XLR Executive Jet Centres. “With a flying capability of one to 2.5 hours, it's an ideal aircraft for both business and leisure trips across the UK and near-Europe. We very much look forward to supporting above as it launches its new operation here at Birmingham.”

above has also been building relationships with charter brokers and operator peers. Vince Essex will be attending The Air Charter Association Spring lunch and the British Business and General Aviation Association's annual conference next week. At the latter, he is speaking on a media panel on the ‘Evolution of charter’, hosted by Hunt & Palmer.

above has also been progressing with its digital and sales infrastructure, including completing its Avinode integration ahead of commercial launch.