Fly Comlux, the VIP operator of the Swiss Comlux group, has launched OneAbove (1A) by Comlux, a programme which offers high-end customers access to the Fly Comlux fleet as well as other business aircraft flown by third party operators. The service seeks to provide wider choice, fewer positioning flights and more competitive pricing.

With its main office in Switzerland, OneAbove will serve worldwide clientele on a 24/7 basis. For the Americas market, which it considers one of the strongest in the world, Comlux has opened a dedicated office in Miami, FL.

Says Fly Comlux CEO Andrea Zanetto: “This expansion in our charter business was driven by a high demand from our customers to have aircraft available around the world and at the same time aircraft operators willing to outsource their charter sales activity. Our young and dynamic team of charter sales specialists is extremely motivated and excited by this new venture. We will be announcing some new aircraft that we will be adding to our fleet soon.”

EVP of commercial Frederic Dubant adds: “In doing our normal business of trying to sell the Comlux portfolio, we came to realise that while some operators have a fleet of aircraft on an AOC, and do not want to invest in a charter sales team, they are happy to let someone else do it on their behalf.

“We have differentiated 1A from Comlux slightly, but have added the 'by Comlux' byline underneath it to show that it is still part of the Comlux group. The Comlux AOCs from Switzerland, Malta and Aruba are used for the Comlux fleet, but the other aircraft that are flown by other operators around the world will remain on the AOCs of these operators, and we will just sell charter flights on these aircraft.”

The first candidate to join the programme was Polaris, a US operator, for whom Comlux will be selling a G550 and BBJ. “We don't want to take on too many aircraft, and want to carefully select by type and by region,” Dubant adds. “We want to have aircraft positioned everywhere, on every continent. We also want to attract new clients by this means, and use it to increase our owners' charter sales.”

Despite noticing a slowing of business in the Middle East, he says that it remains an important business aviation region and is a likely target for the next 1A aircraft signing. He has also expressed an interest in developing the business in Africa.