Despite what it describes as a ‘rollercoaster year’, ACASS' Irish AOC operation has still been averaging more than 75 hours a month on its Challengers, and in recent months the operator's CL605 has consistently broken through 90–100 hour mark, flying 119 hours in June. “Ultimately we would consider 2021 to have been a successful year; that is not to say that it hasn’t been challenging but by providing flexibility to clients, being operationally creative and having the ability to make quick decisions we have been able to maximise the potential of the aircraft,” says president Graham Williamson. “We had two Challenger 605s fully committed to charter, although one recently sold. We have added a Global XRS too, mostly available for charter and two more will join before year end. We also operated a private Phenom 300 and have other types ready to move such as a G550 and a Falcon.”

ACASS believes it has has gained something of a reputation for being able to find solutions for the trickier charters, often becoming a first port of call. “Our average sector length on the Challengers is in excess of five hours, meaning a lot of intercontinental work, and it would be fair to say that the operations team breathe a sigh of relief when we book an Ibiza. Whilst not necessarily unusual, the most memorable flight for me was one that reunited a new mother and her baby with a very proud father for the first time due to COVID travel restrictions. We have some very loyal customers.”

The firm is looking two add its next two aircraft, one of which is signed for already. “We will need more staff in charter sales as well as dispatchers and technical services staff as the fleet grows,” concludes Williamson. “With restrictions beginning to relax I’m also looking forward to meeting with industry colleagues and clients face to face again.”