UK start-up charter company OurJet has begun operating from Farnborough Airport using the three business jets previously owned by defunct air taxi operator Chauffair, which went into receivership a year ago (Flight International 22-28 January 2002).
The BAe 125-700, Hawker 800 and Cessna Citation V will be used initially for ad hoc charters but OurJet is mulling the introduction of a block charter programme.
Robin Stanway, OurJet chairman says: "We have a lot of plans for the new company, but we don't want to rush into anything. Our initial aim is to offer charter, brokerage and maintenance, essentially a one-stop shop for our customers."
Stanway says the company is holding advanced discussions with established brokers and maintenance companies with a view to forming partnerships. "We are operating in a highly competitive market and we have to survive by spreading our risk." He adds: "This we will do by offering more than one service with experts in each of these sectors. This will also give us more control over the standards and quality of the service."
Stanway says while it is rare for charter operators to offer brokerage, it makes sense to be involved in the process. "Customers talk to a broker if they want to charter an aircraft...we want to be one of the first operators they call," he says.
Source: Flight International
