EXECUTIVE air charter business DragonFly has added a third turbo-prop aircraft to its Cardiff-based fleet to meet significant increased demand for European travel.The company’s first Beechcraft King Air turbo-prop has also undergone a major internal refit as part of an ongoing investment programme by DragonFly, whose headquarters are at Cardiff International Airport.
Meanwhile, directors are also considering the acquisition of a first passenger jet as annual turnover continues to enjoy double digit year-on-year growth, having broken through the £1m-a-year mark during 2007-08.
DragonFly was established in 2005 by chief executive Howard Palser, who identified a gap in the market for a South Wales-based executive air charter business.
As well as strong growth from CIA, DragonFly has been in strong demand throughout the UK and Europe.
Demand has come from commercial clients requiring travel from airports in London, the south east of England and the Midlands to destinations in Ireland, Spain, France and Germany in particular.
The company has established strong links with UK air charter brokers, which is one of the reasons it has both expanded its fleet and is looking to add a fourth aircraft, said Mr Palser.
He added: “The brokers enjoy working with us. They know our aircraft are among the best in the business, that we provide great reliability and we offer cost effectiveness for personal and business flyers.
“Indeed, while it is true that the wealthy, celebrities and sportsmen are frequent users of executive air charter services, they do not account for the boom in this sector of the aviation industry.
“The growth in tailor-made air travel is instead accounted for by the rapidly growing awareness by discerning members of the business community that an executive aircraft is an efficient and cost-effective business tool.”
Another growth area has been in the corporate hospitality sector, flying executives and guests to a variety of golf, rugby and motor sports events.
“With the Ryder Cup just two years away in Wales, we anticipate the golfing sector in particular to become a very good source of passengers for us,” added Mr Palser.
DragonFly is the only charter company operating jet turboprop aircraft for charter in Wales, and was set up specifically to serve the business community in Wales.
It has invested heavily in private handling facilities at Cardiff International Airport.
“Our growth in a short space of time has been such that we criss-cross the UK and Europe on a daily basis with 3 superb Beech King Air aircraft,” Mr Palser said.
The eight-passenger Beechcraft King Air turbo-prop is one of the world’s most popular business aircraft, with an unrivalled reputation for comfort reliability and safety.
Flown by two pilots, each aircraft is air conditioned and pressurised, enjoys a cruise speed of more than 300mph and flies at of up to 30,000ft.
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