Paving the Way for Future Aviation Talent With Safeer

30 September 2025

As part of our commitment to developing future aviation talent and supporting the industry leaders of tomorrow, Air Charter Scotland recently welcomed Safeer scholarship students Laura and Caterina to our Malta Office for a three month internship, providing them with in-depth, hands-on work experience at a leading European private charter company.

Safeer is a provider of flight operations and dispatch training, consultancy, and strategic support for the airlines and aviation industry. Safeer’s mission – to inspire, guide and equip future aviation professionals with the knowledge, confidence and mindset to thrive in the heart of airline operations – aligns with Air Charter Scotland’s own goals to foster and train the industry’s next generation.

At our Malta office, Air Charter Scotland’s management team partnered with Safeer to offer Laura and Caterina their first professional placements within the aviation industry. This three month placement gave our future aviation talent the opportunity to gain in-depth, valuable insights into the inner workings of a private charter company.

From the Operations Control Centre in Malta, Ground Operations Manager Mathew Huddart and Deputy Flight Ops Director for Air Charter Scotland and Co-Founder of Safeer Irene d’Ovidio guided Laura and Caterina through our dynamic aviation environment, preparing them with the skills required to succeed in the aviation industry.

At our Scottish HQ, Chief Operating Officer Derek Thomson and Chief Financial Officer Jasmine Purewal liaised with our Maltese base, providing essential administrative assistance and ongoing professional support for the students throughout their placement.

Laura said:

“My three months at Air Charter Scotland in Malta gave me invaluable industry insight and the chance to learn from a supportive, professional team.”

Caterina said:

“This internship was a fantastic experience that helped me grow both personally and professionally, while feeling part of a dynamic company culture.”

Air Charter Scotland COO Derek Thomson said:

“Air Charter Scotland recognises the importance of developing the next generation of industry professionals, which is why we continually seek opportunities to support future aviation talent. It is a privilege to have the capacity to do this not just here at our headquarters in Scotland, but also from our European base ideally placed in Malta to service the continent. Everyone at Air Charter Scotland is proud to have been able to be the first stepping stone for Laura and Caterina in their careers. We’d also like to thank the team at Safeer for their collaboration in this scheme.”

Looking for a career in aviation? Get in touch with Air Charter Scotland and see how we can support you.

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

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!”




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!




Vote Air Charter Scotland in the Air Charter Excellence Awards 2025

22 August 2025

Air Charter Scotland is thrilled to announce our nomination in the Air Charter Excellence Awards 2025.

The Air Charter Association’s prestigious annual awards celebrate the very best that the private aviation industry has to offer. We’re proud to have been shortlisted in the category, Charter Operator of the Year – Executive Passenger Aircraft.

Air Charter Scotland would like to thank our incredible team for all their hard work behind the scenes which ensures the best possible service for our clients. We continue to be grateful to the Air Charter Association for the opportunity to celebrate excellence within the private aviation industry. This nomination serves as important recognition for our company’s efforts as we continue to provide world class service for all passengers who fly with Air Charter Scotland. 

Members of the Air Charter Association can cast their votes in this round until Thursday 18th September 2025, with the winners being announced at the Air Charter Excellence Awards 2025 Ceremony and Gala Dinner in November. 

Thank you to all who vote for Air Charter Scotland in the Air Charter Excellence Awards for their support.

Celebrating 25 Years of East Anglian Air Ambulance at ACS Luton

19 August 2025

Air Charter Scotland was delighted to visit our neighbour at ACS Luton, Signature Aviation, for their family fun event on Saturday 9th August 2025.

Signature Aviation has been a valued business partner of Air Charter Scotland for many years. They provide a first class FBO service and luxury private lounge to ACS customers flying to and from our Luton Airport Base.

The event was hosted at London Luton Airport in support of East Anglian Air Ambulance. This charitable organisation brings 24/7 life-saving emergency care to people in Norfolk, Suffolk, Cambridgeshire and Bedfordshire, transporting them to medical facilities to receive treatment in the fastest time possible.

As part of the festivities, there were plenty of activities to entertain guests, from face painting and bouncy castles, to an extensive static display of aircraft for the family of Signature staff to view up close. This included an infamous Supermarine Spitfire, which proved especially popular both with the youngest and oldest members of the party.

Air Charter Scotland displayed one of the most loved jets on our fleet based at Luton Airport, our Cessna Citation Excel. Guests on the day were able to witness its compact but comfortable size which facilitates quick and easy travel in and out of smaller airports without compromising on features or amenities. A few special visitors confirmed the small but mighty Citation Excel is certainly fit for royalty!

Air Charter Scotland would like to extend our gratitude to Signature Aviation for the invite to this wonderful day, and we thank them for their continued support via their exceptional FBO services.

To learn more about Air Charter Scotland’s London Luton Airport base, or any of our bases across the UK and Europe, contact us.