Air Partner
Founded in 1961, Air Partner is a global aviation services group providing aircraft charter services and aviation safety & security solutions to industry, commerce, governments and private individuals across the world.
 | |
| Private | |
| Industry | Aviation |
| Founder | Tony Mack |
| Headquarters | 2 City Place, Beehive Ring Road, Gatwick, West Sussex, RH6 0PA United Kingdom |
Key people | Mark Briffa CEO |
| Website | www |
Air Partner Charter offers tailored charter solutions to meet often complex requirements across a suite of services, including Group Charter, Private Jets, Freight and other Specialist Services such as Scheduled Group Travel, Tour Operations, Air Evacuation, Aircraft Sales & Leasing and Flight Operations.
Air Partner Safety & Security services span consulting, research, training and managed services, supporting the aviation and transport sectors, critical national infrastructure, armed forces, governments and regulators globally to address risks and vulnerabilities throughout their organisations.
With its headquarters located alongside Gatwick airport in the United Kingdom, the Group employs around 450 aviation professionals uniquely positioned in 16 locations globally. With a full in-house 24/7 global flight operations centre, clients are provided with instant access to services all year round.
The company is publicly listed on the London Stock Exchange as LSE: AIR and is the only publicly listed air charter broker and aviation safety & security consultancy. It is ISO 9001:2015 compliant for commercial airline and private jet solutions worldwide.
History
Air Partner was founded in 1961 by Tony Mack Senior trading as Airways Training. It began as a school for military pilots converting to civilian flying using flight simulators and a fleet of Beagles.
Following the years as a flying school, Air Partner formed an air taxi operation with a fleet of Chieftain, Piper Aztec, 125 and C550 aircraft. At this time the company name was changed to Air London to reflect the change in business focus.
In 1983 the company surrendered its Air Operator’s Licence to concentrate on aircraft broking. Through the years that followed and continued company growth, in 1999 Air London became Air Partner as they began to open offices globally.
Throughout its 60-year history, Air Partner has evolved and developed into the global aviation and services group it is today. Keeping the world moving, one journey at a time.
Chronology
1961: Tony Mack Senior founded Airways Training, converting military pilots to civilian flying using flight simulators and a fleet of Beagles.
1960’s/80’s: The years that followed saw expansion into air taxi operations, and Airways Training was renamed Air London.
1983: Air London launches a new concept in aircraft broking.
1989: Air Partner floated on the Unlisted Securities Market, the forerunner to the Alternative Investment Market (AIM).
1994: Overseas expansion begins with the opening of Air Partner France in Paris.
1995: The company achieves full listing on the London Stock Exchange LSE: AIP.
1997: Air Partner opens its first US-based office based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
Air Partner opens its second mainland European office in Cologne, Germany.
1998: Specialist freight division launches.
1999: The company name is changed from Air London to Air Partner to reflect the Group’s growing global influence.
Air Partner Travel Consultants is launched. The IATA and ATOL bonded agency organises scheduled flights, limousine hire and accommodation.
2000: Air Partner continues to expand with new offices opening in Austria, and a second US office opens in New York.
2001: 24/7 office-based operations department opens at London Gatwick HQ.
2005: Air Partner opens an office in Italy.
2006: The JetCard membership scheme is unveiled. JetCard offers a wealth of benefits for more regular flyers that delivers value for businesses and individuals.
2007: Air Partner re-brands and launches a new corporate identity, creating two new internal trading boards - Private Jets and Commercial Jets.
2008: Carbon neutral offset options are launched across all flights.
2010: Mark Briffa is appointed CEO.
Air Partner opens an office in Istanbul, Turkey.
2011: Air Partner celebrates 50 years of business!
UK headquarter moves to a larger premises alongside London Gatwick Airport, opposite The Beehive - Gatwick’s original terminal building with its grass runways, which opened in 1936.[1] The company first began trading here in 1961 and has remained within 1km ever since.
2015: Air Partner acquires Cabot Aviation and Baines Simmons.[2]
2016: Air Partner acquires Clockwork Research.
2017: Air Partner was cited as having the "Most Flexible" jet card in an analysis by Conklin & DeDecker in 2017.[3]
Air Partner acquires SafeSkys.[4]
2018: Air Partner opens a new office in LA.
Private Jet Card Comparisons named Air Partner's JetCard to its list of "Best Jet Cards For Summer Travel."[5]
2019: Air Partner opens new offices in Houston, Singapore and Dubai.
Air Partner acquires Redline.[6]
2020: Air Partner provides vital support throughout the global COVID-19 pandemic, including transporting medical supplies and PPE[7] as well as evacuating over 300 British and EU nationals from Wuhan in the wake of the pandemic.[8]
Air Partner launches Air Partner Protect to safeguard customers against coronavirus.[9]
References
- "Terminals: the last word". The Independent. 22 March 2008.
- "Baines Simmons acquired by Air Partner plc". Baines Simmons. 19 August 2015.
- "JET CARD INSIDER: At Air Partner, Flexibility And Guaranteed Rates For Europe, CIS and the Middle East Are Core Strengths". Private Jet Card Comparisons - Know Before You Buy.
- "Air Partner acquires SafeSkys". www.airpartner.com.
- "Private Jet Card Comparisons selects "Best Jet Cards For Summer Travel"". Private Jet Card Comparisons - Know Before You Buy. 22 May 2018.
- "Air Partner plc acquires Redline Worldwide". Air Cargo News. 12 December 2019.
- "Air Partner Operates Hundreds of Cargo Flights". www.airpartner.com.
- "Air Partner evacuates UK nationals from Wuhan". www.londonstockexchange.com.
- Partner, Air. "Air Partner Launches New Suite of Services Designed Specifically to Help Safeguard Clients During COVID-19 Crisis". www.prnewswire.com.