Flying to Save Lives: Air Charter Scotland Explores Support for Lia’s Wings

23 September 2025

Air Charter Scotland was delighted to catch up with so many inspiring people last week at the Air Charter Association’s Air Charter Expo event at London Biggin Hill Airport.

A real highlight for us was meeting Rebecca Wilson (Head of Engagement) and Chris Massarella (Head of Fundraising) from Lia’s Wings. Lia’s Wings are an incredible charity that provides lifesaving air transfers for children in need. In times where every second counts, Lia’s Wings ensures children can access the specialist care they need – sometimes hundreds of miles away.

They are the only UK air ambulance charity that delivers life-saving services both in the UK and internationally. They use aeroplanes to provide urgent medical transfers, ensuring that babies and children receive the vital treatment they need, no matter where they are. They also provide a tailored support service for families to help them through crises, creating improved outcomes and lasting change.

Our Head of Client Services, Michelle McMullan, catch-up with the team at Lia’s Wings, exploring opportunities for Air Charter Scotland to support the incredible work they do. We’re proud to connect with organisations making such a positive impact and look forward to finding ways we can collaborate.

Michelle McMullan commented:

“It was a privilege to meet with the Lia’s Wings team and learn more about the incredible difference they make for children and families across the UK. At Air Charter Scotland, we are committed to supporting organisations that deliver essential services and we look forward to developing ways in which we can assist.”

To find out more about this brilliant organisation, head over to their website and see where you can support them. lias-wings.org.uk

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Pilot Nicola Flies High into Senior First Officer Rank

19 September 2025

Air Charter Scotland is thrilled to announce the promotion of Nicola Saunders to Senior First Officer rank. Nicola – who is a popular member of the team and has been with the company since 2021 – currently operates both the Embraer Legacy 500 and Embraer Praetor 600 known collectively as EMB550.

These flagship models within our fleet are world-renowned for comfort and performance within luxury air travel. Conveniently, both are DEFRA-approved to allow our favourite four-legged friends on board.

As the Embraer private jets are capable of a much greater range, they are the ideal choice for not only to destinations within Europe but to favoured cities such as New York on the USA East Coast. One of Nicola’s first trips on the EMB550 was to the famous St Maarten in the Caribbean. Both models are stalwarts of our fleet given both their long and short range proficiencies and are firm favourites in our empty leg flights.

Having previously been a First Officer on the Citation CJ fleet, Nicola transitioned onto the EMB550 in December 2023. Nicola has now operated the EMB550 for just over 20 months, gaining valuable experience which has allowed the progression to Senior First Officer, giving her additional seniority on the fleet.

Nicola Saunders, Senior First Officer (Right), said, “I feel very grateful for the opportunities and support I have had from the company and excited to see what the future holds!”

Derek Thomson, COO at Air Charter Scotland said, “We all send Nicola our most sincere congratulations, her commitment and drive have been enviable and we wish her the very best of luck with whatever she chooses to take on next. The world literally is her oyster!”

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Supporting Future Aviation Leaders with ACA Internships

27 August 2025

Air Charter Scotland was delighted to welcome University of Glasgow student David Orrock to our Glasgow HQ as part of the prestigious ACA Internships programme.

The Air Charter Association provides this incredible opportunity for 18-25 year olds interested in a career within aviation, introducing them to the industry with training and practical experience in the Air Charter sector. David Orrock, an Economics and Business Management student in the final year of his studies, was selected as one of the 15 outstanding young people taking part in this internship.

Charter Scotland for a first-hand insight into the complexities of an air charter operator. Our intern shadowed various departments within Air Charter Scotland to gain a comprehensive overview of our operations, from Client Services to Crewing and Maintenance.

David assisted the Air Charter Scotland team with essential daily tasks, such as chartering flights and empty legs, looking at how flight plans are drawn up, and the complexities of handling crewing arrangements in line with flight regulations. To round off his work experience, ACS arranged for David to visit our associates Gama Aviation based at Glasgow Airport to broaden his knowledge of the private aviation sector even further with an in-person look at the day-to-day activities of a busy FBO.

David Orrock said: “Air Charter Scotland was welcoming from the very first moment. Everyone took the time to answer my questions, which made me feel part of the team and gave me a genuine insight.”

Derek Thomson, Air Charter Scotland’s Chief Operating Officer, said: “It was great to have David with us at Air Charter Scotland. I am certain he will go far in this amazing industry of ours. His positive attitude and determination is a great recipe for success. We all wish him the very best in his future endeavours and career!”

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Charting New Heights at Air Charter Expo 2025

10 July 2025

Air Charter Scotland is thrilled to once again exhibit at The Air Charter Association’s annual exhibition for aircraft charter and broker services, Air Charter Expo 2025.

ACE’25 will take place on September 9th 2025 at London Biggin Hill Airport, and will host over 100 exhibitors, 1500+ attendees, and 20+ aircraft.

You’ll find Air Charter Scotland’s team situated at Booth 181 throughout the event, on hand to discuss our charter opportunities, aircraft ownership and management, and fleet specifications with fellow attendees of the leading event in the UK’s private aviation sector.

Out on the apron, ACS representatives will be ready and waiting to welcome you aboard for an in depth look at one of our top-of-the-range jets in our growing fleet! We’ll be exhibiting our Cessna Citation Latitude, one of the most comfortable aircrafts in its class with a low altitude cabin and class-leading sound insulation for a relaxed and refreshing journey.

Air Charter Scotland looks forward to connecting and reconnecting with fellow aviation industry professionals and companies at this event to see how we can work together to provide high quality private charter services for clients across the UK.

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Comfort & Convenience with ACS Chartered Jet Pet Travel

26 March 2025

Air Charter Scotland has updated our guidance regarding chartered jet travel with pets to increase the size of animals we are able to carry. We can now accommodate multiple large dogs up to 68kg in weight on our midsize and large business jets, so you can bring your pets on board!

Chartering a private flight for you and your pets is a straightforward experience. Pets can arrive, board, and fly by your side, so you can ensure their comfort and wellbeing every step of the way. We can accept arrivals to UK DEFRA-approved airports.

In order to travel with your pet via an Air Charter Scotland flight, we require:

A suitable harness and leash, provided by the owner and attached to the owner’s seatbelt, to restrain the pet effectively during take-off, landing, and turbulence, or a pet carrier
The pet to be calm and controlled during transit
The relevant documentation and vaccinations as required for the destination location, this usually includes a Pet Passport or Animal Health Certificate (AHC), and proof of microchipping.

For arrival into the UK, pets must have had a tapeworm treatment conducted between 24 and 120 hours prior to arrival and recorded in a Pet Passport or AHC.

Our business jets, depending on aircraft type, can carry up to 2-3 large dogs not exceeding 68kg/150 pounds each. For full information regarding available aircraft and our pet size and weight regulations, please see our Pets on Jets handout.

All relevant documentation must be provided to ACS no later than 48 hours prior to departure. Air Charter Scotland can assist in checking entry requirements and documentation – please do not hesitate to contact us for any assistance.

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Air Charter Scotland Add Bombardier Challenger 350

1 August 2024

Following the addition of a Cessna Citation CJ2+, we are thrilled to welcome our latest fleet member, the Bombardier Challenger 350.

The Maltese registered Challenger 350 will operate under our European AOC and will be based in the Norwegian capital of Oslo. It becomes the second aircraft manufactured by Bombardier under Air Charter Scotland management and the 14th in total – with number 15 in the pipeline.

Chief Operating Officer and Accountable Manager Derek Thomson says it’s an exciting time for all involved with the company.

“We’re incredibly proud and very happy to welcome this beautiful Challenger 350 to our fleet. Bombardier has a reputation for manufacturing excellent business jets and we’ve seen that with our existing Challenger 350.”

Thomson continued:

“It’s a time of growth for us and being able to add aircraft such as the Challenger to our already fantastic list of jets is a testament to the hard work and dedication of everyone at Air Charter Scotland.”

An outstanding dispatch reliability, low direct operating costs and increased efficiency alongside sleek interior styling and flat floor deliver high style make the Bombardier Challenger 350 one of the best-selling business jets in the world.

With a range of 5926km (3200nm), a cruising speed of 889km/hn(552mp/h) at a maximum altitude of 45,000ft, the Canadian made Challenger promises comfort, luxury and exclusivity for those looking to charter the nine-seater business jet.

The Bombardier Challenger 350 is available for charter in August.

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