Air Charter Scotland is making available a Cessna Citation 525A (CJ2) business jet for charter out of Glasgow airport, in a company first. Newly painted by AeroCare and fitted with updated Dual Garmin GTN avionics, a refurbished six-seat interior and performance-enhancing Tamarack ATLAS winglets, the aircraft recently arrived at Air Charter Scotland's Signature Flight Support private terminal.

“While we have had our offices at Glasgow for 20 years, we haven't had an aircraft positioned out of our home since 2008,” acknowledges COO Derek Thomson. “This is terrific timing for discerning private jet customers, many of them new to charter, responding to the restrictions and reduced scheduled service frequencies brought about by the pandemic. Light jets are the most popular charter aircraft in the UK right now, and this one with its enhanced performance benefits will be a popular addition to our fleet.”

Steven Marshall, interim group head of aviation for AGS Airports Ltd, which owns and operates Aberdeen, Glasgow and Southampton airports, adds: “The introduction of Air Charter Scotland's very first executive jet based at the company's spiritual home at Glasgow Airport is fantastic news. Chartered services have played an important role in providing connectivity for passengers, including key workers, who had to travel by air for essential purposes during the pandemic when scheduled service alternatives were greatly reduced. At a time when our industry is facing huge challenges, it's heartening to see that one of our airport partners is not only expanding its operations, but is doing so with the introduction of a more fuel-efficient aircraft.”

The CJ2's Tamarack Active winglets, accentuated with LED lighting, give the aircraft distinctive styling. They were installed for the aircraft's previous owner by JMI Jet Maintenance International, Tamarack's authorised European installation centre at its London Oxford Airport facility last summer. Active Winglets and transformative ATLAS technology give a wing extension to 55 ft 10in and deliver up to 33 per cent fuel savings, increased payload and range. A big benefit is the CJ2's ability to climb above the weather quicker up to 45,000 ft, giving a smoother ride throughout. The upgrade also gives the aircraft better take-off and landing performance on shorter runways with an 800 lb MZFW increase.

“This the first one on a UK operator's certificate but there is growing demand for the Tamarack Active winglet installation in the Citation CJ series,” comments JMI director Ed Griffith. The established Cessna Citation MRO undertook a two-week maintenance check of the aircraft before its placement at Glasgow.