Synergy Aviation expands at London Oxford Airport

Monday 12th October 2020

Synergy Aviation (Synergy), the independently owned UK charter and aircraft management company, has expanded its presence at London Oxford Airport by positioning a Cessna Citation CJ2 there (G-JNRE), supported by a full-time, local based flight crew. The aircraft can be despatched for charter within an hour of confirmation through charter brokers, or Synergy directly.

Synergy has had a Citation Bravo 550 positioned at Oxford since early 2019. In addition, G-JNRE is also looked after by JMI International, the Citation MRO specialist also based at Oxford. JMI, which recently opened an extended facility at the airport, also supports Synergy’s Mustang, which lives at Blackbushe Airport.

“We are delighted with the services we receive from London Oxford Airport – in support of our busy charter operation and for regular maintenance inputs via JMI,” said Synergy owner and chairman Glen Heavens. “Having one of our Bravos based there was a key factor in choosing Oxford as the CJ2’s home. The airport is popular with owners with its extended opening hours, sensible fuel and handling prices through the OxfordJet FBO and quality of hangarage. It is well located, equidistant between London Heathrow and Birmingham, and a one hour, 15 min drive from our home at Fairoaks Airport in Surrey.”

Synergy’s latest CJ2 features a newly refurbished interior, seating four to seven passengers, ideal for 2.5 hour-plus ski resort charters this winter and offering attractive empty leg opportunities for clients.

During the summer the aircraft has been active serving the usual charter destinations and especially Italy, as many of the super yachts have moved out there owing to quarantine-free status from the UK.

Whilst its jet fleet considerably outnumbers its turboprop activity now, Synergy remains a King Air charter specialist and the type has become even more popular during the Covid pandemic. “The trusted King Air is one of the most successful, flexible and cost-effective aircraft of all time. Textron has done an incredible job with the new King Air B360 and we are looking forward to seeing similar enhancements added to the rest of the King Air family,” Glen highlighted.

“Now we are operating from four London bases, we are seeing a notable increase in enquiries, with interest in our services from first time charterers / and aircraft owners,” he noted. “Alas, COVID -19 is going to be with us for some time. We have responded by adding additional flight crew and increased our AOC coverage to operate a wider number of aircraft, including heavier business jets.”

Private charter on the up – London Oxford Airport

James Dillon-Godfray, head of business development at London Oxford Airport commented: “Since the onset of the pandemic, the demand for private travel is unquestionably on the up with the assurances of bare minimal contact possible when utilising such jets. It’s great to have the CJ2 join our charter fleet based at Oxford. Its size and range are ideal for the majority of requests we see for European trips. With direct access to the door of the aircraft by vehicles, it’s possible here to go from aircraft touch-down to leaving the airport entrance by car in just four minutes. Some of the motorsports industry-related operations we handle have also benefited from the COVID-19 swab testing we can offer on a pre-bookable, on arrival basis. Fast turnaround-time results can be arranged from local Oxford laboratories if required, for that extra peace of mind.”

As a value add, London Oxford Airport, as sister company to the London Heliport at Battersea, offers 22-minute Heli shuttles with local based helicopter charter companies to and from both airfields. It also offers 50% landing fee reductions for jets over 15-tonnes flying in to Oxford and transferring by helicopter to the Heliport. According to latest Eurocontrol statistics, jet traffic at the airport was 11% up over September 2019 movements.

James Dillon Godfray (left) and Glen Heavens; Synergy Aviation's Cessna Citation CJ2

About Synergy Aviation

Founded in 2004, Synergy Aviation is an aircraft charter, management and training company. Synergy manages business jet and turboprop aircraft on behalf of corporations, private individuals and family offices. Synergy operates each aircraft under its own Air Operator’s Certificate, issued by the UK CAA. Ab initio flight training is offered on single-engined piston aircraft at Synergy’s training facilities at Fairoaks and Blackbushe Airports.

Synergy Aviation contact:

T: +44 (0) 3456 747 747

www.synergyaviation.com

About London Oxford Airport

London Oxford Airport is wholly owned by the Reuben Brothers. Reuben Brothers’ investment activities include private equity, real estate ownership and development. Businesses include shopping centres, data centres, race courses, public houses, hotels, technology and media businesses. At the end of February 2012, the Reubens purchased the London Heliport at London Battersea, the UK’s only CAA licensed heliport. The Heliport is a 22-minute helicopter ride from London Oxford Airport. London Oxford Airport has been one of the fastest growing airports for private business aviation in the United Kingdom over the last ten years.