Air Charter Scotland is introducing a second Cessna Citation 525 M2 from its newest London Biggin Hill airport base, coinciding with the first lifting of travel restrictions from 17 May. Comfortably configured for six passengers, the jet has a maximum range of 1,548 nm and is suitable for trips to Portugal, where scheduled air fares are now trebling owing to demand.

Just like sister aircraft G-KSOH, which was added to Air Charter Scotland's AOC in March, Biggin-based aircraft management company Jet Agent is marketing the popular light jet.

“Following outstanding operational and commercial performance of G-KSOH provided by the team at Air Charter Scotland, we have every confidence that G-CMTO is in the best hands. We look forward to further expanding our fleet with Air Charter Scotland,” says Jet Agent MD Anatoly Parkhomchuk.

Testament to the view that business aviation will be one of the first sectors to recover from the harsh impact of the pandemic, Air Charter Scotland has added five business jets to its charter fleet since August last year, all managed for private owners.

“We're especially pleased to be introducing this second charter aircraft from Biggin Hill for Jet Agent and anticipate considerable demand,” notes Air Charter Scotland COO Derek Thomson. “Business aviation provides a safe and secure cabin environment, at a cost that truly isn't far off fully flexible, business class fares to Europe, if measured on a per passenger basis. Scheduled services are slowly being restored, but not at the same frequencies as before, rendering commercial air travel far less convenient for business travel, which often requires visiting two cities in a day.”

Business charter in Europe connects 1,400 city pairs (500 more connections than the scheduled airlines provide), with flights departing from private terminals.

With corporate clients becoming increasingly mindful of their carbon footprint, Air Charter Scotland is also pleased to note an increase in the number of FBOs it serves now offering sustainable aviation fuel. SAF is already at Signature Flight Support at London's Luton airport, an Air Charter Scotland base, and in April it was introduced by Air BP at Biggin Hill. “We are encouraging our corporate owners and clients to request it. Business aviation accounts for 0.2 per cent of the overall two per cent of aviation emissions, but stakeholders and clients increasingly want to do their bit to protect the environment. We fully endorse this,” highlights Thomson.

Air Charter Scotland reports recent success in obtaining block permits for fifth freedom flights between EU countries when applied for, the now standard arrangement before a charter can be confirmed. “The UK CAA and DfT negotiation team has been working hard on our behalf to push for reciprocity for British operators now we are out of the EU,” Thomson concludes.

Last week Air Charter Scotland operated a charter between Portugal and Ireland. The flight was agreed with the two EU states within 24 hours.