Isle of Man-based Aerodynamics is reporting increasing business in short-term lease rental agreements providing its turboprop fleet to parachute centres and general charter operators to cover downtime and busy periods.

Aerodynamics was established in 1989 when the main focus of the business was ferrying aircraft for customers and aircraft dealers all over the world. Always looking for new areas of expansion, leasing is now the biggest segment of its activity.

The company's managed fleet of light turbines is growing consistently and mainly supplies drop-zones and charter companies within the UK and Europe.

It reports that Cessna Caravans are beginning to dominate the skydive market and Aerodynamics has a selection of standard and Grand Caravans in full jump fit with Lexan roller doors and longitudinal benches for passenger comfort. "The power-by-the-hour lease rental model allows for short term ad-hoc leasing as well as long-term contracts and the spare jump aircraft policy means that customers don't lose their income stream when their own aircraft is down for maintenance," says Kate Cairns.

"Charter clients favour multi-engine, and our fleet of PT6-powered Beechcraft run the gamut from basic freighter to luxury passenger transport. The same lease rental package is available for AOC operators providing an insured and maintained aircraft, freeing them to concentrate on their customers."

The fleet on show at BGAD Cambridge

Aerodynamics has recently become a Blackhawk dealer in the UK, and reports that the UK's first 850hp Grand Caravan will be on show at the BGAD show on September 18th at Cambridge airport in skydive fit, as well as one of its King Air 200s with Blackhawk upgraded engines and a luxury passenger configured cabin. The upgraded Grand Caravan is reported to be the fastest single engine skydiver in the UK. "It can climb to altitude faster than a standard aircraft and requires less runway to take off.

The conversion also means that aircraft can operate more efficiently in higher temperatures. For a skydiving operator that translates into a 40 per cent increase in the number of jumpers carried to 15,000 feet every hour. There is also a decrease in noise levels with the four blade propeller that helps to keep the neighbours happy," adds Cairns.

Aerodynamics will also be displaying a Cessna Caravan with G1000 with full TKS de-ice and an Oasis interior, a King Air 200 with G1000 panel, BLR winglets and RVSM certification, and a pair of Beech 99s.

In our next issue: Oasis Flight is about to put two Beech 99s into freight charter service. See our full report in September.