With the launch of B747-400 freighter operator One Air, the United Kingdom now has a new British cargo airline. The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has given the new airline its Air Operators’ Certificate.
The new airline has now been given complete approval to begin operations after completing its proving flight in July 2022 and going through a rigorous application process for an Operating Licence.
One Air Cargo airlines takeoff
One Air anticipates strong initial demand for its flights from the UK to Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. In the end, it will also provide freighter services to China and the US.
As the sole UK operator of the B747, One Air has just completed the dry lease of its first B747 freighter. According to a spokeswoman, One-Air’s business plan necessitates the addition of a
The year 2023 will see the second B747-400. One Air, with its headquarters in Kingston near London Heathrow, has assembled a group of 90 air freight and aviation experts for its debut.
These include expertise in ground operations, engineering and maintenance, crew management, crew training, finance, and human resources. Furthermore, a 40-person aircrew made up of pilots hired from Cathay Pacific, Emirates, Norwegian, and other significant airlines.
One Air Executive Insights
Paul Bennett, CEO of One Air, who owns a controlling stake in the company, said: “The level of demand which exists for a British cargo airline was proved by the critical role freighter services played in sustaining the UK economy and the public throughout the epidemic.
“We are pleased to be able to meet this need by utilizing our current company relationships with freight forwarders, logistics providers, and charter brokers active in the UK market. We plan to add a second B747F later this year, and we have the resources to grow in accordance with the level of demand we see.
Later in the year, the airline will examine its fleet plans, including any prospective additions of other aircraft types.
Chris Hope, who has 35 years of prior experience with the predecessors to TUI, easyJet, and Flybe, has joined the One Air Board as Chief Operating Officer and Accountable Manager.
Hope served as business lead for the easyJet operation at Gatwick during his time there and was in charge of setting up new AOCs in both the UK and the EU as part of the preparations for the UK’s withdrawal from the EU.
Technical Background
He also held a non-executive directorship at National Air Traffic Services (NATS) at this time. Chris held the position of Chief Operating Officer for Flybe for two years before joining One Air.
Hope declared: “I am honoured to have been offered the chance to become a part of the executive team that is driving this innovative new project.
“One Air has a futuristic, customer-focused strategy. We’ll employ our resourcefulness and entrepreneurial spirit to expand sustainably.
Beginning with the 90 direct jobs we are generating within our own company and the countless other positions. We establish with partners and suppliers we will support British businesses and the UK economy.
“In the past two years, the UK’s cargo sector has evinced resiliency in the face of extraordinary change to the aviation industry. We are excited to play a key role in the industry as it moves into a new recovery and expansion phase.
Jon Hartley and David Tattersall have also been hired as chief financial officers and chief technical officers. Hartley has past experience in several different company sectors and more than 25 years of experience in finance management roles, including prior aviation work with TAG Maintenance Services and FR Aviation.
Air One Cargo Aviation
Tattersall has more than 40 years of experience in engineering, maintenance, overhaul, and repair for the aviation industry. Tattersall has held senior executive director positions at prestigious airlines throughout his career, including British Airways, Brymon Airways, and Flybe.
One Air has chosen Air One Aviation as its first global sales agency. In London Heathrow, the airline’s handling agent will be Dnata.
One Air also collaborates with ESP to offer software and helpdesk support. Leon to manage crew rostering and training, CHAMP to handle weight and balance, and PPS to handle flight planning.
At London Heathrow, Hangar 901 will function as One Air’s partner for hangar maintenance. While Aero People and Altitude Global will provide queue maintenance.
Stay tuned with us. Further, follow us on social media for the latest updates.
Join us on Telegram Group for Latest Aviation Updates. Subsequently, follow us on Google News.