Flying by private jet is so much more than simply a means of getting from A to B. Whether you’re travelling for business, active adventures, or some much-needed time away, Air Charter Scotland prides itself on creating unique and memorable flying experiences for our discerning clients – the experience of arriving well is a key part of that journey. 

As a leading private jet operator, we have extensive knowledge of the world’s airports, with our pilots undergoing the required additional training to land at many exclusive destinations. Our team of private aviation advisors are always on hand to advise clients when it comes to selecting the most suitable airport to match their requirements. With worldwide travel now cautiously resuming, we welcome the recent government announcement with further exciting destinations added to the Green List.

Reaching these exclusive destinations by private jet charter has many advantages. Not only will your flight be faster, easier and more comfortable, you’ll have the added benefit of selecting the most convenient airport for your departure and arrival.

We challenged our team to pick their top 5 most window seat-worthy runways and airport approaches from across the world.

Our top 5 most memorable runways

1. Gibraltar International Airport, UK

On Spain’s Southern coast lies the British Overseas Territory, Gibraltar, famed for its 426m high rock, and its unusual airport! Winston Churchill Avenue is the main arterial road that heads towards the Spanish border and cuts directly through the airport. Via a tunnel? We hear you ask, no, directly through the airport, meaning that the road needs to be shut down each time an aircraft arrives or departs.

2. Barra Airport, Scotland

We’ve all been making the most of staycations while international travel has been on hold, exploring the best of what the UK has to offer. Located off the Western tip of Scotland is Barra, an idyllic island in the Outer Hebrides with a most unique runway. It’s only five feet above sea level on a beach. In fact, Barra airport is the only transport hub in the world where scheduled flights use a tidal beach to take off and land and pilots often have to navigate severe weather conditions.

3. Nice Airport, France

If you’re taking a trip to the Côte d’Azur on France’s South-east coast, you’re most likely to arrive via Nice airport. The five-star hot spots Monaco, Cannes and St. Tropez are all minutes away from the one of the world’s most fashionable runways
and the descent into the French Riviera is unlike any other. The mountainous coastline rolls into the Mediterranean Sea and the runway appears to rise purposefully out of the sky-blue waters. So, whether you’re heading to the destination du jour for the year-round sunshine or business, you won’t forget your arrival in a hurry.

4. Courchevel Airport, France

The opening of the 1995 James Bond classic Goldeneye features Pierce Brosnan as 007 taking a nose-dive, on a motorbike off the side of a mountain, which also happens to be at the end of a runway, after an unmanned, taxiing aircraft! Arguably
one of the most unforgettable pre-credit scenes in any Bond film, ever, and so is the runway where it was filmed – Courchevel International Airport, situated almost 2,000 metres above sea level in the French Alps. What’s more – the runway is one of the steepest in the world, with a gradient of 18.6%!

 5. Princess Juliana International Airport, St. Maarten

The Caribbean is synonymous with exclusive, luxury resorts and idyllic beaches.The airport on the Dutch side of the Dutch-French Island of St. Maarten has a relatively short runway to navigate, pilots fly extremely low over the beach as they descend onto runway 10. This makes for a memorable experience before you’ve even touched down.

No matter your destination, or chosen arrival airport, Air Charter Scotland provides an exceptional private jet experience that offers a tailored service to every client. With a fleet of luxury light to heavy jets. We have the experience and expertise
to make your journey unique and personal.

Contact our expert charter team here.

Air Charter Scotland are delighted to announce that we have introduced a second Cessna Citation 525 M2, from our newest London Biggin Hill Airport base, coinciding with the first lifting of travel restrictions from 17th May.  Comfortably configured for six passengers, G-CMTO has a max range of 1,548 nm, suitable for Portugal, where scheduled air fares are now trebling owing to to a surge in demand.

Aviation set to recover from the global pandemic before other industries

Testament to the widely held view that business aviation will be the first sector to recover from the harsh impact of the pandemic, Air Charter Scotland has added five business jets to our charter fleet since August 2020 – all managed for private owners. Air Charter Scotland’s COO Derek Thomson commented that “we’re especially pleased to be introducing this second charter aircraft from Biggin Hill for Jet Agent, and anticipate considerable demand.”

“Business aviation provides a safe and secure cabin environment, at a cost that truly isn’t far off fully flexible, business class fares to Europe, if measured on a per passenger basis.  Scheduled services are slowly being restored, but not at the same frequencies as before, rendering commercial air travel far less convenient for business travel, which often requires visiting two cities in a day,” said Derek.  

“Business charter in Europe connects 1,400 city pairs (500 more connections than the scheduled airlines provide), with all flights departing from quiet, private terminals too.”

Just like sister aircraft G-KSOH, added to Air Charter Scotland’s AOC in March, Biggin based aircraft management company Jet Agent ( www.jet-agent.com ) is marketing the popular light jet. 

Anatoly Parkhomchuk, Managing Director of Jet Agent commented:

“Following outstanding operational and commercial performance of G-KSOH provided by the team at Air Charter Scotland, we have every confidence that G-CMTO is in the best hands.  We look forward to further expanding our fleet with Air Charter Scotland.”

“Business aviation provides a safe and secure cabin environment, at a cost that truly isn’t far off fully flexible, business class fares to Europe, if measured on a per passenger basis.  Scheduled services are slowly being restored, but not at the same frequencies as before, rendering commercial air travel far less convenient for business travel, which often requires visiting two cities in a day,” said Derek.   Business charter in Europe connects 1,400 city pairs (500 more connections than the scheduled airlines provide), with all flights departing from quiet, private terminals too. 

Contact our expert charter team here.

After almost a year of staying home, travel is now permitted between England, Scotland and Wales. Even more encouraging is the indication that international travel from the UK may be possible to select destinations from as early as mid-May. So why not return to the skies in style by booking an empty leg flight with Air Charter Scotland?

What is an empty leg flight? 

A private jet empty leg is the term given to flights that are scheduled without any passengers. These operate when an aircraft needs to reposition for its next booked charter flight or to return to its home base.  Private jet charter is a bespoke travel solution and often the aircraft operator will not have a booking for the one-way charter matching its repositioning route and time. As such, the operator can offer the empty part of the flight at a discounted rate. 

What are the benefits of booking an empty leg flight?

Private jet empty leg flights cost significantly less than the full charter price. The price of an empty leg will vary according to the type of aircraft, number of passengers on board and the distance and time of travel. Travellers can usually save around 50% on regular charter rates by booking an empty leg flight, in some cases this can be as high as a 75% discount. 

The cost-saving does not detract from the experience of private jet travel. Private jet empty leg flights still offer:

• Luxury. From spacious and comfy seats to the highest standards in customer care, with private jet empty leg flights the journey will feel as important as the destination. 
• Efficiency. Whether it’s saving time when boarding or quicker travel times, private air travel will get you where you need to be faster. 
• Safety. As past winner of BACA’s Passenger Charter Operator of the Year, it is no surprise that at Air Charter Scotland our flight safety record is second to none. Our passengers can rest assured that they are in the safest of hands. 

How to book a private jet empty leg with Air Charter Scotland?

Private jet empty legs are ideal for travellers looking for a one-way flight. They can be subject to change, but if your plans are flexible then empty leg flights can be a great way of experiencing private jet flight for a fraction of the price. Air Charter Scotland can offer private jet empty leg flights to a range of destinations both within the UK and abroad. Visit Empty Legs – Air Charter Scotland to book your luxury travel experience or sign up to our mailing list to receive our empty leg notifications.

Air Charter Scotland, a leading British private jet operator and aircraft management company, is making available a Cessna Citation 525A (CJ2) business jet (G-NOCM) for charter out of Glasgow Airport, in a company first. 

Newly painted by AeroCare and fitted with updated Dual Garmin GTN avionics, a refurbished six-seat interior and performance-enhancing Tamarack ATLAS Ò  winglets, the aircraft arrived at Air Charter Scotland’s Signature Flight Support private terminal (FBO) this week.

While we have had our offices at Glasgow for 20 years, we haven’t had an aircraft positioned out of our home since 2008,” acknowledged Air Charter Scotland COO Derek Thomson.  “This is terrific timing for discerning private jet customers, many of them new to charter, responding to the restrictions, reduced scheduled service frequencies brought about by the pandemic.  Light jets are the most popular charter aircraft in the UK right now and this one with its enhanced performance benefits will be a popular addition to our fleet,” he said.

Steven Marshall, interim group head of aviation for AGS Airports Ltd , which owns and operates Aberdeen, Glasgow and Southampton airports commented: “The introduction of Air Charter Scotland’s very first executive jet based at the company’s spiritual home at Glasgow Airport is fantastic news.

“Chartered services have played an important role in providing connectivity for passengers, including key workers, who had to travel by air for essential purposes during the pandemic when scheduled service alternatives were greatly reduced.

At a time when our industry is facing huge challenges, it’s heartening to see that one of our airport partners is not only expanding its operations, but is doing so with the introduction of a more fuel-efficient aircraft.”  

Enhanced performance aircraft  

The CJ2’s Tamarack Active winglets, accentuated with LED lighting, give the aircraft distinctive styling.  They were installed for the aircraft’s previous owner by JMI – Jet Maintenance International, Tamarack’s Authorised European Installation Centre at its London Oxford Airport facility last summer.  Active Winglets and transformative ATLAS Ò technology gives a wing extension to 55 ft 10in and delivers up to 33% fuel savings, increased payload and range.  A big benefit is its ability to climb above the weather quicker up to 45,000ft – and gives a smoother ride throughout.   It also gives the aircraft better take-off and landing performance on shorter runways with an 800lbs MZFW increase.

“This the first one on a UK operator’s certificate but there is growing demand for the Tamarack Active winglet installation in the Citation CJ series,” said JMI’s Director Ed Griffith.  The established Cessna Citation MRO undertook a two-week maintenance check of the aircraft before its placement at Glasgow Airport.

Contact our expert charter team

Air Charter Scotland’s Commercial Director and Accountable Manager Derek Thomson is pleased to be appointed to the Board of The Air Charter Association (The ACA) supporting newly appointed CEO Glenn Hogben and fellow board directors. Derek will draw on his 25 years’ experience in aviation to offer support and advice to operators and charter brokers as The ACA, now in its 72nd year, continues to widen its global membership reach.

He is also keen to encourage the next generation of young aviation professionals, a passion he shares with Air Charter Scotland’s Sales Manager Michelle McMullan, who became one of The ACA’s Next Generation ambassadors in October last year.

“We are all experiencing a challenging and uncertain time as an industry, which has really tested our resilience. However, it is also a time of unchartered opportunity to prove our value as a business enabler,” Derek said. 

“Since March last year business aviation is increasingly on the radar of new customers who turned to us because their regular airline route got cut, or they needed urgent repatriation.   Medical professionals working around the clock to fight the pandemic booked with us on their itineraries, reassured by our sector’s safe, private, hygiene-safe cabins.  When the world needed support – business aviation delivered, including several of our members’ jets equipped as air ambulances.”

“This is a great time for innovation too.  We have lots of exciting developments ahead with the wider roll out of sustainable aviation fuel; hybrid and electric aircraft designs and the heightened use of drones for special mission work. The ACA is embracing and following developments with these important game changers,” he added.

Derek is especially supportive of the work the Association has instigated to fight against the scourge of grey/illegal charter flights, which has seen it garner support from international industry organisations including EBAA, MEBAA and AsBAA. 

Air Charter Scotland continues to work closely with charter brokers and global operators who make up The ACA’s primary membership, as the 20-year-old business adds new bases and managed charter aircraft.

During his 25-year aviation career Derek has worked in rotary and fixed wing aircraft operations and sales, as well as FBO airport handling and operations.  Derek made his first solo flight in a Robinson R22 helicopter aged 19 before obtaining his Private Pilot’s Licence.  At Air Charter Scotland he has been closely involved in the company’s transition from a fleet of twin-engine piston and turboprop aircraft through to Cessna Citation C525 and Falcon 7X business jets.  With a now fully worldwide operation and the creation of Air Charter Scotland Europe in January with a new European AOC, the company is gearing up to welcome additional managed aircraft and open new bases.

The Air Charter Association’s ‘Next Generation Group’ is a steering group created last October to promote and communicate to under 35s, the numerous, varied and rewarding opportunities a career in aviation can offer.  It has held two virtual gatherings to date with more planned.

“We are well represented with operators, brokers, support suppliers and it’s a privilege to work alongside like-minded individuals to help shape the future of the industry and continue the professional development and best practices of The ACA,“ said Michelle McMullan, Air Charter Scotland Sales Manager.