Helsinki, Finland-based operator Go! Aviation has received its AOC and operating licence from the Finnish authorities, and has transferred a Pilatus PC-12 onto the certificate following the completion of scheduled maintenance.

“Our team has done an amazing job during the last year,” says senior vice president and head of operations Roope Kekalainen. “The dedication and professionalism of everyone here is what made this possible.”

Go! is one of only a few European companies to introduce commercial passenger transport using single engine aircraft; Hendell Aviation in Finland has received approval, as have AltiJet and Voldirect in France. The concept of Go! Aviation however, is based on membership and a fixed monthly fee in order to provide quick, cost-efficient business travel on specific routes. It intends to take advantage of its head start in the emerging European single engine passenger flight market by expanding to central Europe, deploying a fleet of four to six PC-12s by the end of this year. By 2025 the operator aims to fly 50 aircraft.

Kekalainen explains the journey so far: “We started in 2014 with what we believed was a brilliant idea and now we have completed 21 months of hard work to get the AOC. We got the financial first round in spring of 2015, and we have had the second round in January this year. In the meantime we have been building the manuals and working up the business idea. We now have our permits and will be starting operations hopefully by the end of this month.”

According to Kekalainen, no other aircraft were considered: “From the beginning it was the Pilatus PC-12 and the SE-IMC AOC that we wanted. This is our window of opportunity before others can get into the market.

“Of course the fact that a couple of other operators in the region have already received approval helped us on our way, and it was easier for us to get this after they did.”

Former Formula One driver Mika Salo is one of Go! Aviation's investors and plans to carry out F1 trips with the fleet as he has businesses connected with the sport.

“We are targeting cities that don't have such good connections and that are within one hour's range, plus or minus 30 minutes,” continues Kekalainen. “Our main business is going to be in central Europe eventually. We will be based in multiple locations, and will position aircraft wherever the route is. Missions will be managed in Finland from our Helsinki headquarters.

“The growth will be quick because we want to be the market leader and we want to remain in the leading position, from the first day to 2025 and beyond.”