Press Release

Issued by AvMan Engineering.

April 9, 2014

Jota Aviation, the independently owned specialist UK air charter and management company, is preparing to mark its fourth birthday with the arrival of a British Aerospace 146-200 regional jet. The London Southend based charter company, expects to receive an A licence imminently from the UK Civil Aviation Authority so that it can fulfill ad hoc charter, ACMI and lease assignments for corporate businesses and Europe's regional airlines. It expects to be operational in May.

The aircraft, to be re-registered G-SMLA, is currently undergoing a significant interior refurbishment at Manston Kent International Airport by British company AvMan Engineering. The 146 will be configured with 95 seats and will have an option to turn the centre seat of each treble seat row into a table. It also plans to offer a quick conversion to a fully dedicated business class with up to 54 seats to further widen the appeal.

Experienced flight and cabin crew have been recruited, while maintenance support has also been agreed with AvMan Engineering, at Manston.
The aircraft will complement Jota Aviation's established charter business which is focused on its fleet of four Beechcraft King Airs. Jota is the largest operator of the King Air 90 family in Europe, with aircraft deployed on cargo and passenger flights from London Southend, Liverpool and Leeds Bradford Airports. Jota Aviation won a strong endorsement from its industry peers last October when industry members of the Baltic Air Charter Association (BACA) voted it Best Cargo Operator in the annual 2013 BACA industry awards. Jota was also short listed in the Best General Aviation category.

Jota Aviation's BAe 146 will be London City Airport capable

“Now is the right time to expand our offering and move into the regional jet sector,” believes Jota Aviation managing director Andy Green. “Other charter companies have recently exited the BAe 146 sector in Europe, meaning there is significantly reduced availability for a generous sized cabin aircraft with rugged performance and short field landing characteristics. “Our aircraft will be London City Airport capable too, making it more attractive for sub charters,” he suggests.

In support of its expansion into the jet sector, Jota Aviation has enlisted the expertise of regional airline specialist Mike Sessions. Mike, a popular figure in the airline fraternity, previously served with British World Airlines as sales and commercial director. He has a 37 year career in aviation, starting out with BWA's predecessor British Air Ferries in 1977 as a sales executive. Since 2002 Mike has been running his own consultancy Blue Sky Aviation, advising start-up airlines on leasing options, charter brokerage, inclusive tour and airline strategy.