FlairJet, the London Oxford Airport-based business jet charter company, has been quick to reap the benefits of having a dual UK base, following its acquisition by Cambridge-based Marshall Aerospace and Defence Group in March. It is determined to break free of being solely an Embraer Phenom operator and will this week add the Marshall Executive Aviationoperated Cessna XLS to its managed aircraft fleet, under its AOC. The Citation Bravo will be added two weeks later with the Challenger 300 following in June, Managing Director of FlairJet and MEA,David Fletcher said.

Integration with 10-year old Marshall Executive is progressing smoothly, with operations of the combined companies now centred at Oxford, giving Marshall Aerospace and Defence Group's newly created Aviation Services Division a coveted Oxford base. FlairJet's Carlo Montanini, Commercial Director, is now based at Cambridge Airport where administration and accounts remain. Meanwhile,MEA's Charter Sales Manager James Hunt and Duty Operations Manager Andrew Rankinehave taken up new residence at FlairJet's Oxford base.

A new brand identity that reflects the philosophy of FlairJet and MEA is being readied for roll out in Geneva this month.

"Under new ownership and importantly, from a strong financial base, FlairJet is very much looking forward to expanding its portfolio of managed aircraft," said Managing Director David Fletcher. The company will be at EBACE (Stand 1019)and is looking forward to meeting with potential aircraft owners and OEMs, drawing on its strong experience as a European ambassador of the Embraer Phenom family and MEA's 10 years' experience in business jet management.

"FlairJet genuinely understands the needs of our customers and the relationship that we maintain with our aircraft owners is without doubt the most important. We provide owners with the ability to track their aircraft's movements online or via an App and we provide transparent billing solutions. Additionally, our new ownership will enable aircraft owners to benefit directly from the Marshall Group's vast resource, expertise and purchasing power." Marshall ADG'sacquisition of FlairJet further extends the service offering of the company's new JETability brand, offering a "one call" business aviation solution.

FlairJet was founded in 2009 and obtained its UK AOC in December of that year. Within four years the company has firmly established itself as a dynamic aircraft management company with a strong track record in charter sales. It has expanded its AOC to embrace the Middle East, Africa, the Caucuses and Russia with ambitions to grow its capability even further.

Steve Jones, MD of Marshall Aerospace and Defence Group's Aviation Services, whose expanded role includes that of managing director of Cambridge Airport commented: "The consistent and ongoing investment offers terrific potential for our charter business, especiallyat a time when business aviation is being squeezed and priced out of the London hub airports. We are ready when the upturn in the charter market in the UK and Europe comes," he said.

Contributed by Marshall Executive Aviation