SaxonAir Adds to Business Jet and Helicopter Charter Fleet
/SaxonAir, the Norwich and London-based air charter operator, has welcomed four light business jets - two new on the UK G-register and a permanent London Biggin Hill Airport base, supported by Sovereign Business Jets, complementing offices at London Stansted. In December it ordered a new Leonardo AW109SP Grand New helicopter, via UK distributor Sloane Helicopters, complementing three new AW119s, the first of its type to be registered in the UK when it joined SaxonAir’s rotary fleet last April.
SaxonAir showcased its charter fleet in Hangar 2, London Biggin Hill Airport Porsche Norwich supported the event..The company brought its latest charter fleet – including a Learjet 45 (G-OSRL), Learjet 75 (G-USHA) and Cessna Citation CJ1 (G-COBN), plus one of two Embraer Phenom 300s (G-KRBN) to Biggin Hill Airport on February 1st to showcase to charter brokers and industry guests. The event concluded with a sustainable aviation fuelling (SAF) of the Phenom 300 which flew off to Germany.
The resilience of the sector was especially evident in the light jet sector, where SaxonAir is active. This category has seen the biggest growth in charter, up 30% from the pre-pandemic winter period and bolstered by newcomers to business aviation.
Greening up
In 2021 SaxonAir embarked on a rigorous program to upgrade (and make greener) its Klyne Business Aviation Centre HQ at Norwich Airport, including introducing electric car charging points and a lift-sharing scheme for its 50-plus employees. It teamed with emissions partner Gone West to plant trees in the UK for every business jet and helicopter flight operated. This initiative helped at-risk youths engaged to work as tree planters through Gone West’s Acorns to Oaks programme, in partnership with The Prince’s Trust.
SaxonAir also endorses NEBO Air. Based in Beccles, Suffolk, it has ambitions to be the world’s first sustainable, cost-effective micro ‘airline’ with zero CO2 emissions using the newly UK certificated all- electric Pipistrel Velis aircraft. Sergei Gratchev, NEBO Air’s Founder highlights that airfields across the UK and Europe are “sending letters of intent wishing to join the project and enhance our network.” This builds momentum to create a web of electric aircraft charging facilities throughout the UK and beyond.
Improving security through AvioNexus
SaxonAir has also focused on how advances in digital technology could enhance its business and maximise security. This led to an investment in Make Tech Fly’s signature product AvioNexus (a Software as a Service Saas) web application. Now used regularly by SaxonAir’s flight department – fixed wing and helicopters - AvioNexus enables all parties in the flight management process (working off mobile devices or desktops) to communicate via the platform. SaxonAir benefits from real time updates and data exchange. Employing bank level cybersecurity, it manages every aspect of the trip – including selected catering, the uploading of passenger information and parking requests at FBOs. AvioNexus handles all the security pre FBO visits, including photo ID.
AvioNexus was developed by Managing Director Andrew Douglas, responding to a lack of software with such services. Andrew has worked at the sharp end of business aviation for 15 years with Air Advantage and Pretium Jet Charter. The system focuses on three core values – Security, Simplicity and Visibility. Developed in 2020 by a team of coders and designers in Scotland, subscriptions to the software are offered on a monthly basis for users and/or an annual subscription.