16 Dec 11 Air Partner wins ‘Best Private Jet Company in Europe’ award
Royal Warrant holder Air Partner has become the first winner of Global Traveler’s ‘Best Private Jet Company in Europe’ award following the magazine’s decision to add the category to its 2011 annual Tested Reader Survey.
Simon Wheatley, UK Manager for Air Partner Private Jet, said “We are delighted to have won this new award. We work very hard to provide the best quality service, investing in client relationships for the long term. This award is testament to the quality of the Air Partner product.”
The survey was conducted during the first eight months of this year with more than 36,000 frequent business and luxury travellers voting for airlines, hotels, loyalty programmes and travel-related products in 66 categories.
Over the past eight years, Global Traveler says consistent, unbiased reporting has made its survey one of the most highly regarded in the industry. The business travel and lifestyle publication has a circulation of 107,140+ with readers spending an average 80 nights a year away on foreign travel and 40 nights on domestic travel.
About Air Partner
Air Partner has earned global recognition as a leading aircraft charter broker and organises ad hoc charters of aircraft of every size for any reason. Its core divisions comprise Air Partner Private Jets, Air Partner Commercial Jets and Air Partner Freight. Air Partner private jet offers on-demand charter and the company’s unique pre-paid JetCard scheme. The Commercial Jets division charters airliners with 20 to 500 seats to move groups of every size. Air Partner Freight charters aircraft of every size to fly any cargo anywhere, at any time. Air Partner plc organises around 18,000 charter flights annually, operates 24/7, has 21 offices globally and is fully listed on the London Stock Exchange. The company also holds a Royal Warrant from HM Queen Elizabeth II.
07 Oct 11 Air Partner opens in Monaco
World leading provider of aviation services, Air Partner increases its presence in Europe with the opening of its twenty-first office in Monaco.
Air Partner has opened a new office in Monaco in line with the Group’s strategy to continue growing its international presence. The new office will be an important part of Air Partner’s network of 21 offices, and will help to extend Air Partner’s global outreach.
Air Partner’s Private Jet offering is well suited to the local region, with the pre-paid JetCard programme proving particularly popular. Air Partner’s JetCard offers the freedom and flexibility of private jet travel with the certainty of fixed pricing and guaranteed availability. In the first half of the current financial year, new JetCard requests in the South of France increased by 10%. The launch of Air Partner Monaco will build on this success.
Air Partner was proud to be involved with SAS Prince Albert of Monaco’s recent wedding within the Principality. Air Partner was chosen to charter a flight for The Eagles, who held a concert in Monaco on July 1st as part of the wedding celebrations. A cargo plane was used to transport the band’s equipment from Nice after the concert to Manston (England) where their tour continued.
Insaf Abdellaziz, Development & Marketing Manager of Air Partner France, commented: “The increased demand from the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur (PACA) region and Monaco requires a greater presence on the ground. Our new Monaco office combines Air Partner’s global expertise with our local knowledge, putting us in an excellent position to meet the needs of our private aviation clients.
Air Partner has provided leading private aviation services to industry, commerce, governments and individuals worldwide for over fifty years, and is the aviation industry’s only holder of a Royal Warrant from HM Queen Elizabeth II, as Supplier of Aircraft Charter. Air Partner provides these services through its three main divisions: Private Jets, Commercial Jets and Freight. The company celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, and is fully listed on the London Stock Exchange.
Air Partner will announce its full year results in October 2011.
Enquiries:
Air Partner
Charmaine Fagence T. 01293 844 808
Temple Bar Advisory T. 0207 002 1080
Tom Allison / Joanna Crawford M. 0778 999 8020
About Air Partner
Air Partner has earned global recognition as a leading aircraft charter broker and organises ad hoc charters of aircraft of every size for any reason. Its core divisions comprise Air Partner Private Jets, Air Partner Commercial Jets and Air Partner Freight. Air Partner Private Jets offers on-demand charter, as well as the company’s unique pre-paid JetCard scheme. The Commercial Jets division charters airliners with 20 to 500 seats to move groups of every size. Air Partner Freight charters aircraft of every size to fly any cargo anywhere, at any time. Air Partner plc organises around 15,000 charter flights annually and is fully listed on the London Stock Exchange. For more information visit http://www.airpartner.com/
Tags: Air Partner, Private Jets
02 Sep 11 The Business benefits of Private Jets
Private Jets are the efficient form of transport for businesses aiming to guarantee luxury and comfort to their employees, whilst saving time and money.
Private Jets guarantee business efficiency
Many people find that travelling by private jet can be an expensive mode of transport when actually travelling in this way is practical and can even be considered affordable. Although private jets are considered by many as exclusive to the rich and famous, they can also be an effective transport option for businesses.
As businesses we often look towards saving time and money where possible, without compromising on quality. Private jets are important business resources when it comes to cutting the amount of time it takes to fly to meeting destinations. We have all spent hours queuing for check points and delayed flights at terminals which has had an effect on the duration of our holidays or made us late for important meetings. We often find ourselves waiting for hours on the runway before takeoff causing distress and wasting our time. Private jets make it possible to eliminate all of these disruptions.
If you are travelling as part of a group or project team private jets are a great way to travel affordably. A private jet lets you bring as many of your team with you as can possibly fit on the plane. Compared to the costs of flying each member by first class on a commercial liner, private travel can actually be an affordable travel expense as well as saving you time.
Private jets can even accommodate for in-flight meetings, allowing you to present and discuss important topics without having to worry about others listening in on your conversation. Even if you are flying in first class on scheduled flights you run the risk of others listening in on your discussion as well as there being an obvious lack of space for a meeting to take place. Travelling privately allows you to relax and enjoy first class service and accommodating furnishings such as meeting tables and comfortable chairs, allowing you to use your time efficiently.
Guarantee exclusivity with Private Jet Charter flights
Private jet charter flights give you exclusivity, with a wider selection of airports available to you, allowing you to avoid busy airports and crowded runways. Smaller airports that are generally avoided by the larger airlines are available to private jet companies and are often more ideally located to your destination. The queues for customs checks and security are shortened as you are travelling as a group and are the only passengers on-board. Private jets have some of the most highly trained flight staff and can accommodate for virtually all of your in-flight needs to ensure that you are fully catered for and can relax comfortably. The aircraft can also cater for your travels with business lunch bookings made available to you prior to your flight. Most private jet charter companies can cater for all tastes and dietary needs with your favourite foods available to you during the flight.
With aircraft on standby, private jet can arrange flights at short notice without having to book months in advance to guarantee a seat. When booking for large groups this is a common issue as you may have to book a long time in advance to guarantee places. The scheduled airlines are unable to accommodate changes if you require an earlier or later flight at last minute which could affect business relations.
Air Partner plc is a world-class provider of private jets among other services to industry, commerce, governments and individuals worldwide. The company has earned global recognition as a leading private jet charter supplier and organises ad hoc charters of aircraft of every size for any reason. Air Partner is the only company in the aviation industry to hold a Royal Warrant (as Supplier of Aircraft Charter to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II) a globally recognised mark of excellence.
25 Feb 11 Air Partner Increases Global Presence
International air charter provider Air Partner has expanded its North American presence with the opening of a west coast operation in Los Angeles, California.
The office began trading on February 1 and forms part of Air Partner’s global strategy of opening in key business centres. It is the company’s 20th office worldwide and its fourth in the USA, joining those on the east coast in Fort Lauderdale, Washington DC and New York.
Air Partner has a policy of employing local specialists with global expertise and has appointed Tana Lantry to head up the LA operation as Director of Sales. Tana has an extensive background in aviation and learnt to fly before learning to drive. She gained a degree in Global Security and Intelligence from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University, plus a minor in Asian studies, and went on to spend a year in Beijing teaching at the BeiHang University Flight College. On her return to the US Tana joined PrimeJet as a Charter Sales Coordinator prior to moving to Air Partner.
Air Partner has worked closely with the LA entertainment industry for many years, providing private jets for individuals and small groups and commercial airliners for bands and orchestras. Now, following the opening of a local office, more focus will be placed on pursuing business from other sectors and strengthening relationships with regional suppliers. Tana’s Asian knowledge and experience will also play a vital role as the company investigates growth opportunities for travel in Asia.
“We are greatly encouraged by the opportunities available to us in the Los Angeles market, said Phil Mathews, President of Air Partner Inc. “Tana’s background makes her perfectly suited to help Air Partner expand into a region whose air charter needs are more multidimensional than most people recognise.”
Mark Briffa, CEO added: “Air Partner’s most valuable asset is its people. We recruit aviation professionals who are committed to delivering a first-class service to our customers and suppliers, and place a great deal of emphasis on their on-going learning and development to ensure they progress in their careers while keeping pace with our industry’s continually changing environment.”
Air Partner is the only company in the aviation industry to hold a Royal Warrant from Queen Elizabeth II, a recognised mark of excellence. The Group operates year round and has an office-based 24/7 Operations Centre at its London Gatwick HQ. Over the past week the Operations team has played a major role in organising emergency evacuations as Air Partner flew almost 3,000 people out of Egypt as political unrest escalated, including two seriously injured media representatives.
About Air Partner
Air Partner plc is a world-class provider of aviation services to industry, commerce, governments and individuals worldwide. The company has earned global recognition as a leading aircraft charter supplier and organises ad hoc charters of aircraft of every size for any reason. Its core divisions comprise Air Partner Private Jets, Commercial Jets and Outsize Air Cargo Charter. Air Partner Private Jets offers on-demand jet charter and the company’s unique pre-paid JetCard scheme. The Commercial Jets division charters airliners with 20 to 500 seats to move groups of every size. Air Partner Freight provides a cargo aircraft charter service that allows cargo to be delivered anywhere at any time, utilising aircraft of every size. With its headquarters in the UK, Air Partner has 20 offices spanning Europe, North America, the Far East and Middle East and operates a 24/7 year-round Flight Support Centre from its London Gatwick base. The Group was formed in 1961 and is fully listed on the London Stock Exchange. Air Partner is the only company in the aviation industry to hold a Royal Warrant (as Supplier of Aircraft Charter to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II), a globally recognised mark of excellence.
For more information visit http://www.airpartner.com
Tags: outsize air cargo, Private Jets
30 Nov 10 Air Partner appoints new Private Jets manager
Air Partner, a leading provider of private aviation services worldwide, has promoted Simon Wheatley to the position of UK Manager of its Private Jets Division.
Simon joined the company in 1998 as a member of the ServicePlus support team within the Commercial Jets division. He quickly progressed into a charter broker role and gained four years’ experience organising flights to move groups of every size using airliners with 20-500 seats. In 2002 he moved into a similar position within the Private Jets division, which offers ad hoc and JetCard charters on private and VIP aircraft, and became a PJ team leader in 2006.
“I have been involved with the broadest range of charter missions imaginable over the last 12 years ranging from financial road-shows, flights for royalty and organ transplant emergencies to product launches for thousands of guests and evacuations from war zones and impending natural disasters. In my new managerial position I look forward to putting all this experience to good use and will focus on our core strengths as a team to drive the company forward,” said Simon.
Celine Shabbas, Director of UK Trading, added: “Simon has clearly demonstrated his leadership and management skills and we know that our Private Jets clients will benefit from his knowledge, experience and dedication to providing a high quality personal service.”
Simon, who has an honours degree from Brighton University in Environmental Science, replaces Ben Bewsey who has moved on to pastures new.
About Air Partner
Air Partner plc is a world-class provider of private jet, among other, services to industry, commerce, governments and individuals worldwide. The company has earned global recognition as a leading aircraft charter supplier and organises ad hoc charters of aircraft of every size for any reason. Air Partner is the only company in the aviation industry to hold a Royal Warrant (as Supplier of Aircraft Charter to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II) a globally recognised mark of excellence.
Tags: jet charter, Private Jet, Private Jet Charter, Private jet hire, Private Jets
02 Nov 10 Air Partner Group Wins four year DFID contract in the face of stiff competition
Air Partner has won the prestigious contract to be the sole provider of all passenger and freight air charter services for the UK Government’s Department For International Development (DFID) for the next four years. DFID is responsible for almost all humanitarian airlifts on behalf of the UK and for addressing the UK’s global relief efforts.
Effective immediately, the contract was won following a six month competitive tendering process.
Mark Briffa, Air Partner’s Chief Executive, said: “We fought long and hard to win this coveted contract and are extremely excited to have emerged victorious in the face of stiff competition. This positive result reflects the high levels of expertise and service we provide.”
Air Partner is now the sole provider of logistical support to DFID’s global aid assignments. In times of crisis, its responsibilities will include organising emergency flights for any civilian deployments of response teams and the evacuation of British nationals.
The Company’s dedicated team will utilise Air Partner’s 50 years of experience, strong supplier relationships and global network to source the most suitable aircraft for any given task, at the best price, ensuring a seamless high quality and cost-effective operation.
Air Partner is a valued supplier to many national and international organisations and has flown governments worldwide, including 6 of the G8, as well as international and UK Royalty. It is the only company in the aviation industry to hold a Royal Warrant from Her Majesty the Queen as the Supplier of Aircraft Charter.
Commenting further, Mark Briffa said, “This is an extremely important contract win for Air Partner – and one we have tendered for in the past and not won – so I am delighted DFID has chosen us to be its provider of air charter services for the next four years. This win is a huge credit to our freight team’s experience and high levels of service. Air Partner’s excellent relationships with suppliers worldwide and its global network of in-house aviation experts have enabled us to increase our market share within the air freight charter sector. The Air Partner team takes the responsibility given to them by DFID very seriously and I have no doubt we will provide excellent support to its operations.”
Graham Davey, Government and Military Business Manager at Air Partner, said: “The Air Partner freight and commercial aircraft passenger teams have a great deal of experience working on a range of complicated international operations. We have formed a dedicated team of highly qualified staff to directly support DFID’s operations and to ensure success of their global objectives.”
About DFID
DFID works to rid the world of extreme poverty by managing Britain’s aid to poor countries. It works with governments of developing countries as well as charities, businesses and international bodies including the World Bank, UN agencies and the European Commission. DFID has offices in 40 developing countries as well as in London and Scotland and provides aid to around 90 countries. It is working to reach the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), the international targets agreed by the United Nations (UN), to halve world poverty by 2015. In 2008/09 the department provided £5.5 billion of aid to poorer countries and aims to increase this to £7.8 billion in 2010/11. By 2013, the equivalent of 0.7% of the UK’s gross national income will be dedicated to development assistance, from 0.36% in 2007/08.
For more information on DFID, visit http://www.dfid.gov.uk
Enquiries
Charmaine Fagence – Air Partner
T. +44 (0)1293 844 808
Tom Allison / Nicola Flynn – Temple Bar Advisory
T. +44 (0)20 7002 1080
M. +44 (0)778 999 8020
About Air Partner
Air Partner plc is a world-class provider of aviation services to industry, commerce, governments and individuals worldwide. The company has earned global recognition as a leading aircraft charter broker and organises ad hoc charters of aircraft of every size for any reason. Its three main divisions, supported by a host of support teams, comprise Air Partner Freight, Air Partner Private Jets and Air Partner Commercial Jets. Air Partner Private Jets offers ad-hoc charter and the company’s unique pre-paid JetCard scheme. Air Partner Freight provides a cargo aircraft charter service that allows cargo to be delivered anywhere at any time, utilising aircraft of every size. The Commercial Jets division charters large airliners with 20 to 500 seats for groups of every size. With its headquarters in the UK, Air Partner has offices spanning Europe, Asia, the Middle East and North America and operates a 24/7 year-round Flight Support centre from its London Gatwick base. The Group was formed in 1961 and is fully listed on the London Stock Exchange.
For more information visit http://www.airpartner.com
Tags: aircraft charter, cargo aircraft charter, Private Jets
20 Oct 10 Air Partner appoints Suzanne Sharp to lead Commercial Jets activity
Aviation specialist Air Partner plc has promoted Suzanne Sharp as Manager of its UK Commercial Jets division, effective immediately.
The division charters airliners with 20 to 500 seats to move groups of every size. Clients include the sport, entertainment and energy industries, governments, military and humanitarian aid organisations, royal families, motor manufacturers and the conference and incentive sector.
Suzanne has been managing Air Partner’s government and defence teams in the UK and Europe for the past three years. With a heightened emphasis at the Air Partner Group to expand its commercial jet charter activity, her new appointment into a key management role sees her reporting to Head of UK Trading, Celine Shabbas.
“Suzanne consistently displays the flexibility and responsiveness necessary to ensure that tasks are handled efficiently and seamlessly. With her strong aviation background and knowledge of the business it is fitting she takes on this role to head the CJ team,” said Celine. “She will focus on the division’s long-term growth and client retention, reinforce established business relationships, forge new customer interactions and implement a new service-driven business structure.”
Suzanne has worked in aviation for 14 years, the majority of them specialising in government and defence passenger and cargo operations. She joined Air Partner’s UK head office in 1996 and worked in the Commercial Jets and Air Freight divisions prior to becoming a Senior Commercial Trader. In 2006 she left the company to widen her knowledge and experience within another aircraft broker’s passenger charter department but returned the following year.
Air Partner Commercial Jets has devised and executed many of the most complex air operations in civil aviation as well as thousands of routine individually tailored flights. Contracts have ranged from large product launches and arctic trooping exercises to birthday weekends and world breaking in-flight concerts. The division includes Air Partner’s Service PLUS department.
Media contact:
Alison Chambers, Emerald Media
T +44 1962 736600
M +44 (0)7721 882939
About Air Partner
Air Partner is a world-class provider of aviation services to industry, commerce, governments and individuals worldwide. The company has earned global recognition as a leading aircraft charter broker and organises ad hoc charters of aircraft of every size for any reason. Its core divisions comprise Commercial Jets, Private Jets and Freight. Air Partner Private Jets offers on-demand charter and the company’s unique pre-paid JetCard scheme while the Freight division charters aircraft of every size to fly air cargo to anywhere, at any time. With its headquarters in the UK, Air Partner has 20 offices spanning Europe, North America, the Far East and Middle East and operates a 24/7 year-round Flight Support Centre from its London Gatwick base. The Group was formed in 1961, is fully listed on the London Stock Exchange, is debt free and had £14.7m in cash at the end of the half year to 31 January. Air Partner is the only company in the aviation industry to hold a Royal Warrant (as Supplier of Aircraft Charter to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II), a globally recognised mark of excellence.
Further information can be found at http://www.airpartner.com
Tags: air cargo, jet charter, Private Jets
27 Aug 10 Air Partner expands freight team with appointment of UK Freight Manager
Air Partner has expanded its UK Freight team with the promotion of Clive Chalmers to UK Freight Manager, effective immediately.
He reports to Richard Smith, Group Freight Director, who can now concentrate solely on developing the company’s international air freight strategy.
Clive is a recent graduate of Air Partner’s intensive two-year internal cross-division Management Training Scheme. This involved working in many of the company’s divisions and departments including Freight, Fuel, Finance, Marketing, Quality Management and 24hr Operations. He also completed an overseas client care project.
Prior to joining the MTS scheme Clive was a Senior Analyst in the Commercial Jets charter broking division organising flights on airliners for groups of every size. Prior to joining Air Partner in 1998, he was an Operations Officer with the former Stansted Airport-based charter carrier Classic Airways.
In his new role Clive’s objectives are to develop the freight business by working closely with clients, prospects and cargo operators along with growing Air Partner Freight’s market share. The aim is to reap the rewards the Group has made in strengthening its freight activity over the past decade. “Air Partner has invested heavily in its Freight division in recent years and I am pleased to have joined a successful, well-established team,” said Clive.
Richard Smith commented: “We are delighted to have appointed Clive to the position of UK Air Freight Manager. Having worked in key divisions and departments within the Air Partner Group, he brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the Freight team and his appointment is a clear indication of our ambition for this growing part of Air Partner’s business. We opened freight offices in Hong Kong and Turkey earlier this year and now have cargo specialists in eight countries spanning three continents.”
About Air Partner Freight
Air Partner Freight charters aircraft of every size, from Learjets to the giant Antonov 225 freighter, to fly cargo anywhere, at any time. Serving governments, leading industrial shippers, relief and humanitarian organisations, the freight team provides bespoke air charter solutions in response to a wide range of cargo charter needs. From moving small quantities of automotive spare parts between plants through to the most complex project cargo shipments taking several months to plan, the team has the experience and expertise to ensure shipments are handled securely and reliably.
Air Partner Freight is a division of Air Partner plc, a leading private jets specialist. With headquarters in the UK, Air Partner has 20 offices spanning Europe, North America, the Far East and Middle East and operates a 24/7 year-round Flight Support Centre.
Tags: Air freight, International Air Freight, Private jet hire, Private Jets
03 Aug 10 Private Jets Offer the “Best of the Best” in Travel Solutions
Ben Stein, lawyer, writer, actor and economist, once famously said of private jet travel: “No one who has tasted that kind of life can be expected to let it go while he still has fingernails to clutch the cabin door…it’s so good you shouldn’t even try it once.” This famous US personality told readers of The New York Times: “A route that is torture for commercial travellers – even in first class – is paradise to the passenger of a private jet.”
For many of today’s celebrities, sports stars and business travellers, private jets offer the “best of the best” in modern travel. From bespoke schedules, lavish terminals, and state-of-the-art aircraft, the benefits of private jet travel abound.
All Shapes and Sizes…
When choosing private jet hire, you gain access to a comprehensive, worldwide fleet of aircraft, ranging from a Lear 40 flying up to 3.5 hours to the famous range of Gulfstream private jets offering intercontinental capabilities, full standing headroom and an in-flight hostess service.
And for those seeking the pinnacle of private jet travel, there are VIP airliners. Whether it is a Boeing 737 with seating for 28 or an Airbus A319 configured to 16 – these aircraft are the ultimate in luxury travel. Popular with heads of state, these private jets offer space for both business and pleasure, with some even featuring private bedrooms and en-suite facilities.
Simplicity…
Private jets offer direct point-to-point travel, avoiding the lengthy check-in queues, crowded security points, and congested terminals that have become synonymous with scheduled air travel. Passengers always enjoy a smooth journey through exclusive private jet terminals (also known as FBOs) where discretion and privacy are paramount.
Plus, with boarding time taking as little as ten minutes, private jet hire is the most efficient form of travel available. And for today’s traveler, more free time is simply priceless.
Speaking of pricing, the two most cost-effective forms of private jet hire are undoubtedly ad hoc charter and jet card schemes.
• With an ad-hoc on demand arrangement the price agreed is the price you pay based on aircraft type, flight distance and length of the trip. Issues that arise in the case of outright or fractional jet ownership – such as membership fees, management charges, acquisition costs, maintenance and crew concerns – are non-existent. Ad hoc hire is the easiest way to gain access to any private jet, at any time, and to any destination in the world. It is certainly the most flexible.
• With jet cards, which appeal to those who know they will be making several trips in short succession and want to pre-plan their budgeting, you buy flight hours in advance, typically 25, for travel in a chosen private jet category. Aircraft availability is guaranteed. However, it’s wise to read the small print before signing on the dotted line with your chosen supplier!
Tailored solutions…
Private jet hire is about freedom. Do you require a specific departure or arrival time? Are you flying to two or three destinations in the same day? Private jets are the ultimate expression of flexibility and control. You fly on your own terms, on the private jet of your choice, to your own schedule and from the airport most convenient to you.
Even your journey to the airport and on-board experience can be customised, ranging from limousine hire to catering specifications to in-flight entertainment options.
When you consider all of these options and benefits, it is easy to see why those who have switched to private jets are unlikely to return to commercial air travel. Whether flying for business or leisure, private jet travelers enjoy comfort and service that is truly second to none.
About Air Partner
Air Partner is a 24/7 provider of aviation services including private jet hire to industry and individuals worldwide. Formed in 1961, the Group has 20 offices, is listed on the London Stock Exchange and holds a Royal Warrant granted by HM Queen Elizabeth II for aviation services including private jet charter.
Tags: Air freight, Private Jet, Private Jet Charter, Private jet hire, Private Jets
11 Nov 09 A Flight through the History of Aviation
The history of aviation boasts an interesting story with many successful, and just as many unsuccessful, attempts by people to take to the skies. Aviation has developed massively since its first days that saw many risk life and limb flying gliders and kites right through to space travel and supersonic flights.
Kites and hot air balloons
Physicists played a huge part in the creation of modern-day aerodynamics with Newton’s laws of motion and studies of fluid dynamics being major contributors to what many now take for granted. Back in 200BC Chinese emperors regularly attached prisoners to kites made from paper; the majority of whom died from the fall. In the third century hot air balloons were used for signalling for military reasons but it wasn’t until the 18th century that they became manned.
The first hot air balloon flight carrying humans was recorded in 1783 when the Montgolfier brothers invented a balloon that was fuelled by a wood fire and took its passengers to wherever the wind was blowing.
Gliders and airships
A few hundred years after the introduction of the first hot air balloons, the first flight on a glider was recorded in Spain when Abbas Ibn Firnas successfully took to the skies in the ninth century. By the 15th century famous names such as Leonardo da Vinci were attempting to express their art through flight designs of gliders but none were ever made.
By the 19th century many would-be-inventors had come to a gruesome end after taking flight but then crash landing. However, by the 20th century the simple yet effective form of gliding was mastered and is now a popular way to fly short distances; mainly for leisure.
Airships were used as a steerable version of the first hot air balloons in the 18th and 19th centuries and are known as ‘lighter than air’ aircraft. Although they still exist today, their development in the aviation sector has been overshadowed by the more successful ‘heavier than air’ aircraft.
Aircrafts
In the beginning of the 18th century, Emanuel Swedenborg designed what resembled an aircraft as we know it today: a robust canvas stretched over a light frame with two wings either side. Although the inventor was aware that his invention would not take off, he was sure that the problem would be solved (and he was correct, but it was after his lifetime). The physics involved in flying were devoured at the end of the 18th century and the lift and drag problems, along with issues involving gravity, were studied in depth until, in 1853, Sir George Cayley flew a full scale version of an aircraft near Scarborough in Yorkshire.
From then on, numerous versions of aircraft were designed ranging from those powered by steam to those drawn by horses! The Wright Brothers, however, took the aviation industry by storm when theyapplied their knowledge of bicycle mechanics to design an aircraft that revolutionised the world of aviation when its 1903 maiden flight was successful.
Passenger aircraft were introduced by Boeing after the First World War but many people were dubious about flying and airlines attempted to win them over in the late 1920s by introducing on-board air stewards. By the 1930s, transatlantic flights were taking place and many routes covered European and American flightpaths. The Second World War saw commercial aviation grind to a halt although post-war quickly witnessed a huge progression in commercial flights that has since grown into an industry that has welcomed Concorde, spaceships and the new giant Airbus A380.
Over the last 50 years Air Partner has been providing the highest standards in private aviation services. It is the only aviation company to have received a Royal Warrant from HM Queen Elizabeth II. Air Partner is recognised as a leading provider of private jets with a dedicated team specifically for VIPs.
Tags: Private Aviation, Private Jets
