Marshall Aviation Services, the business aviation arm of Marshall Aerospace and Defence Group, has made its first foray into the fixed-base operator (FBO) arena after signing a long-term lease to run the executive aviation handling facility at Birmingham airport.
The move is part of the company’s strategy to double annual turnover from its business aviation activities from £50 million ($76 million) in 2013 to £100 million by the end of the decade through aggressive and targeted expansion.
“This new FBO is part of our plan to develop a portfolio of services to private aircraft owners – from aircraft sales and management charter through to support, refurbishment and upgrades," says Marshall Aviation Services managing director Steve Jones.
The facility, which was previously run by now-defunct business aviation services company Eurojet Aviation, will formerly open in the next few months and will operate under the Marshall Aviation Services banner.
The glass-fronted 4,000m2 (43,000ft2) FBO includes 2,500m2 of hangar space, which can accommodateaircraft up to the size of a large cabin, long-range Bombardier Global 6000. "We will be also able to offer line maintenance support for Textron family aircraft – Cessna, Hawker and Beechcraft – as well as Global and Challenger models,” Marshall says.
The base is regularly used by BAE Avro RJ executive charter operator Cello Aviation, while Marshall’s own aircraft charter and management company, FlairJet, will also have a presence at the site
The company says it will work closely with Birmingham airport to "build business through the FBO". It cites possible interlining opportunities for business jet travel among first and business class passengers flying into Birmingham on potential new long-haul destinations – Beijing, Shanghai, Tokyo, Bangkok, Los Angeles, Las Vegas and Johannesburg.
"Business executives can make private aircraft connections for UK and European flights through the VIP facility within minutes of arrival or departure," says Marshall.
Source: Flight International
