Fly Vectra has become the UK's newest business aviation operator, having obtained its AOC in early February within sixth months of its CAA application and achieving a 'compliance plus' rating. Initially offering a Citation Excel for third party charter, the company is based at Oxford airport.

The seven-seat jet will be joined by two brand new aircraft, an eight-seat Citation XLS+ with wifi, due to arrive by May this year and a Latitude, Cessna's newest model, scheduled to make its debut in 2015. Fly Vectra will be the first UK operator of this type. Fly Vectra, headed by ceo Captain Edward Noel, is owned by The Vectra Group of India, which in mid-2011 made a decision to enter into aircraft operations and management in the UK in its own right, following two and a half years having the Excel managed by a third party independent operator. Noel has worked with Vectra's owner as the lead captain for three and a half years.

"My in-depth research leads me to believe that the charter market is already growing compared to last year," says Noel. "And 2012 will provide Fly Vectra a significant opportunity to establish itself as a leading jet charter operator. The UK charter market has always had a lot of competition but we are confident that Fly Vectra has a good list of direct clients that will use our aircraft and we always look to create alliances that enhance the overall standards all round.

"One of our key selling points, besides a high level of safety and service, is a clear line of communication between the client and the operator. I think that rather than compete for a slice of the current market, there is already a space for us there."

Noel recognises that costs are going to be higher than usual in a start-up year: "We will be using comprehensive flight simulator recurrent training followed by a check flight for every pilot every six months and hosting a three-monthly GA Flight Safety Forum at Oxford airport for all operators to attend, should they wish. All of these factors require a lot of investment.

"Our business model, while being realistic, does take into account the alliances created by the Vectra Group as a whole and creates an exciting opportunity for success."

Noel believes that the Excel is the most popular business aircraft in Europe, so competition is always going to be high. However, Fly Vectra will be the only UK operator of the XLS+, which is straight off the manufacturing line. "The current Excel aircraft in the UK are over four years old," he says. "With the addition of this 2012 aircraft Fly Vectra feels very confident of being above the competition."

The Vectra Group has had years of experience in aircraft operations. With nearly 40 helicopters, it claims to be the largest private helicopter operator in India. It is also the assigned Eurocopter dealership for India.

"We selected London Oxford airport as our base for a number of reasons," says Noel. "Its owners are constantly investing in its facilities, including new hangars and offices; it has seen its business aviation activity increase significantly over the years; it has a strong network of business aviation tenants and is pro-active with its marketing and PR."

Noel is no stranger to Oxford either. He completed his pilot training at the airport with Oxford Aviation Academy in 2000 and took his first job there as an aircraft refueller. Prior to helping set up Fly Vectra, he flew for a number of operators flying the CJ2, King Air, Boeing 737 and the Piaggio Avanti for Ferrari in Italy.

"We are delighted to welcome Fly Vectra to Oxford – our seventh AOC operation offering aircraft for charter," says Oxford airport business development director James Dillon-Godfray. "Being under 10 tonnes, the aircraft will rarely need to be screened in Europe making for easier, stress free business jet operations at most airports around Europe," he notes. Fly Vectra also offers a specialised security protection service using ex-Special Forces officers, when such support is deemed necessary for high profile clientele and dignitaries.