Aircraft management company Concierge Aviation has been awarded its UK air operator certificate and now offers a Kemble/Luton-based Learjet 40XR for charter.

"We are now into our next stage of development," said managing director Glen Smith. "This achievement is a key step towards our long-term future, as we can now offer commercial charter services on our growing fleet of managed aircraft. The strategy is to enhance our service standard and to ensure our clients experience the highest levels of professionalism.

"Obtaining our AOC will help us to develop credibility. Some financial institutions will only allow the aircraft they finance to be operated by AOC-holders."

Concierge Aviation was launched as a private aviation specialist and has developed a portfolio including charter sales, aircraft management, aviation consultancy and aircraft sales and acquisition services. The company is looking to add aircraft to its fleet through a comprehensive aircraft manage-ment programme, prioritising the long-term interests of the aircraft owner while balancing utilisation and hourly rates with consideration for depreciation and wear and tear.

Concierge says that its consultancy work is seeing the current market present interesting opportunities. "This bespoke analysis of the clients' requirements with the wide variety of available ownership or utilisation options ensures well informed aviation decisions, identifying savings and improving the return on investment," says Smith.

The company reports that it has seen momentum in the aircraft sales business as the gap between the expectations of buyers and sellers slowly closes.

"We maintain a very realistic approach," emphasises Smith. "As the market begins its long, slow climb towards recovery, we will only expand at a rate where we ensure we are able to maintain our reputation for quality. We aim to identify the right opportunities and focus our efforts into building long-term relationships through honest, balanced advice based on several years of business aviation experience. "Our business revolves around people and personal relationships and as we expand we will develop a dedicated team who share the Concierge culture."