FlairJet, the UK’s newest business aviation operator, has been issued with its Air Operator’s Certificate from the UK Civil Aviation Authority. It can now commence public flights with its two newly delivered Embraer Phenom 100 aircraft.

“This is the best Christmas present,” said FlairJet CEO David Fletcher. “The award of the AOC means we can now commence revenue charter flights and we look forward to working with the charter broker fraternity especially in this regard. “We are delighted to become the first Phenom 100 operator in Europe to get AOC approval,” he added. FlairJet, based at London Oxford Airport, has spent the last six months training its pilots and operations staff. Several private flights have been undertaken too.

FlairJet, which is backed by three London-based QCs, pledges to offer a personalised, quality service, moving away from the traditional air taxi – pitch up and fly culture. With the Phenom 100’s range of 1,160 nm (with reserves) FlairJet will focus on easy to reach cities in mainland Europe, domestic UK routes and also Scotland and Ireland. Its USP will be to deliver ‘a transparent, easy use, easy to book service. It is targeting travellers who wouldn’t usually consider private charter because they perceive it is too expensive, or are too intimidated by the process.

FlairJet’s Phenom 100s are configured for four passengers, featuring stylish BMW DesignWorks interiors. The aircraft has been designed to fly at 380kts with a certified ceiling at 41,000ft

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“We hope to clinch our aircraft operator’s certificate this month and begin services before the end of the year,” says FlairJet chief executive David Fletcher.

The first Phenom 100 was handed over to London Oxford airport-based FlairJet on 29 October and the second on 6 November.

The aircraft are managed by FlairJet on behalf of their owners – international property developers and Oxford Airport proprietors the Reuben brothers. “We plan to add another five managed Phenom 100s to our line-up next year and hope to take delivery of our own aircraft in 2012,” says Fletcher.

FlairJet plans to expand its fleet gradually. “We are keen to add larger types to the aircraft operator’s certificate, but we will monitor our growth in the current climate as we don’t want to expand too fast too soon. Our plan is to build our profile – we are a new operator, with a new aircraft based at a new airport,” says Fletcher

via Flairjet set to start commercial operations within weeks.