Lifestyle: Birmingham airline offers aviation enthusiasts the royal treatment
A GROUP of aviation enthusiasts are set to be treated like royalty aboard a special flight organised by a Birmingham-based executive charter airline.
The special flight, on October 13, is a joint initiative between VIP charter operator Cello Aviation and businessman and aircraft enthusiast Aidan Nolan.
Passengers will get the full luxury treatment on board the same aircraft which was used by HM The Queen during her state visit to Ireland three years ago.
The excursion will see the Cello Aviation BAE 146 fly between Birmingham and Dublin.
The aircraft, which is frequently used by rock stars for their European tours and by Premier League football clubs competing in European tournaments, has been fitted out in a luxury 46-seat configuration.
Big businesses such as Jaguar Land Rover have also hired the plane to fly guests to important motoring events in the European calendar.
A treat is in store for travellers that will have the opportunity to inspect the aircraft on the ground and talk to the crew before the take-off and flight that will demonstrate the qualities of the last great wholly British designed and manufactured aircraft.
The party will depart from the VIP lounge in Birmingham and be received in the VIP area in Dublin. Prior to the flight, passengers will be able to inspect the aircraft and talk to the crew.
“Last year we did an enthusiasts flight with the Fokker 100 and now it is the turn of the BAE 146 with its distinctive high wings and four jet engines,” said Nolan, who is organising the day.
“It is going to be very special to fly in such an iconic aircraft with all the trimmings. Ask people what they would do if they won a lot of money and the private jet is always near the top of the list along with the Rolls Royce, Italian sports car, country house and world cruise.”
Vince Essex, head of the commercial department at Cello said the flight was a first for the carrier and marked a further diversification for the airline.
“The chance to fly in style and even sit in the same seat as David Beckham or even the Queen will be a great memory,” he said.
