Air Partner flies more rare birds.

Tuesday 28th June 2011

Air Partner has once again flown white-tailed sea eagle chicks from Norway to Scotland as part of a major reintroduction project.

The 16 eaglets arrived in Edinburgh on a chartered Metroliner and are now in aviaries in secret locations. Air Partner's freight team ensured the cabin temperature was maintained at 14°C for the two hour flight from Alesund.

Now in its fifth year, the reintroduction programme is a partnership between RSPB Scotland, Scottish Natural Heritage and Forestry Commission Scotland. Affectionately known as 'flying barn doors' due to their eight foot wing span, white-tailed eagles became extinct in the UK in the early 19th century. The initiative aims to return the species to its former range in Scotland.

This latest arrival of sea eagles, gifted to Scotland from Norway, received an official welcome last Friday (June 24) from Stewart Stevenson, the Scottish Government's Minister for Environment and Climate Change, and Norwegian Consul Mona Røhne.

Lindon Cooper, an Air Partner freight analyst, commented: "Air Partner frequently moves animals and birds, and flying sea eagle chicks is repeat business for us. It is an honour to fly such precious live cargo. The flight went smoothly and the eaglets had the shortest and most comfortable transfer possible. We look forward to the day when they will take to the skies using their own power."

About Air Partner Freight:

Air Partner Freight charters aircraft of every size to fly cargo anywhere, at any time, whatever its weight, size or shape. Serving governments, leading industrial shippers and relief and humanitarian organisations, the freight team provides bespoke air charter solutions to meet a wide range of cargo charter needs. From urgent 'go now' requirements moving small quantities of automotive spare parts between plants through to the most complex project cargo shipments taking several months to plan, Air Partner Freight has the skills, experience and expertise to ensure shipments are handled securely and reliably.

About Air Partner:

Air Partner is a world-class provider of aviation services to industry, commerce, governments and individuals worldwide. The Group is a leading charter broker and organises ad hoc aircraft charters of every type for any reason. Its three main divisions comprise Air Partner Freight, Air Partner Commercial Jets and Air Partner Private Jets. The Commercial Jets division charters large airliners to move groups of any size. Private Jets offers the company's pre-paid JetCard scheme and on-demand charter. With its headquarters in the UK, Air Partner operates 24/7 year-round and employs 200 aviation professionals across its 20 offices spanning Europe, North America, the Far East and Middle East. Air Partner is the only company in the aviation industry to hold a Royal Warrant, a globally recognised mark of excellence.

www.airpartner.com

From the left: Claire Smith, RSPB Scotland Sea Eagle Officer; Stewart Stevenson; and Mona Røhne. Picture: Dean Bricknell.