New Airline - FlairJet - to launch Flights from Oxford Airport in May

FlairJet, a new private jet charter operator, plans to launch operations from Oxford Airport in the UK from May 2009, flying an initial two Embraer Phenom 100 Very Light Jets. The company’s backers also have further lease options for Year 2010 delivery. FlairJet’s first purchased aircraft arrives in 2012.

FlairJet is being headed by Monarch Airlines’ Airbus A320 Captain David Fletcher who is planning a route network of charter services with the four-seat jets. FlairJet’s Phenom 100s, which will feature stylish interiors from BMW Design Works USA, will have a range of 1,160 nm (with reserves) enabling easy reach to cities in mainland Europe, domestic UK routes and also Scotland and Ireland, where there is big appeal for short leisure/sporting breaks.

Gerry Rolls, former Flight Operations Director at Air Atlantique has been newly appointed as FlairJet’s Head of Flight Operations and is now engaged in securing the company’s Air Operating Certificate (AOC), as well as recruiting for post holders and pilots. He will also serve as training captain on the Phenom. David Fletcher, who will go part time with Monarch from November this year to devote more time to FlairJet, will also fly the Phenom.

FlairJet, which started life as a working project earlier this year under VLJ Consultancy Ltd, plans to move in to Oxford Airport’s Farmhouse Building, effective early March, 2009.

FlairJet has the financial backing of three London-based lawyers who have wholeheartedly embraced this exciting new business model, says Fletcher. They also backed the decision to base the company at Oxford Airport, whose new owners have committed to a sizeable programme of investment in new facilities, including a smart new business aviation terminal, oxfordjet.

“Oxford Airport in the Thames Valley is well positioned outside the congested London TMA (terminal movement area) with close proximity of the M40, A34, A40 and A44 road networks. It has no slot restrictions, unlike other London-centric business airports and its fees and charges are very attractive for the small business jet operator,” Fletcher said.

The Phenom 100 will fly at 380kts and have a certified ceiling at 41,000ft. European EASA certification is expected in early 2009.

For the longer term, FlairJet is looking at the larger Phenom 300 or possibly the Embraer Legacy 500 for future growth.

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