A new UK charter airline will launch services from London Gatwick and Manchester at the end of March with the first of five Boeing 737s. Named Astraeus, the airline is eyeing a niche for 150-seater capacity in the UK contract charter market.
Filling part of the gap left by the collapse late last year of British World Airlines, Astraeus has been seeking £5 million ($7.2 million) in initial capital, and has secured funding from independent UK investment firm Aberdeen Murray Johnstone Private Equity.
Brad Burgess, the founder and former managing director of CityFlyer Express, is chairman of the new carrier. Astraeus chief executive Hugh Parry is a former boss of British World's parent BWA Group, and the management team comprises mainly ex-British World executives.
Astraeus says it sees a gap in the inclusive tour and contract charter market for 150-seater capacity and aims to be the UK's leading independent supplier in this sector. Initial flights will be operated on behalf of a tour operator to various European holiday destinations.
"We aim to receive our air operator's certificate shortly after we take delivery of our first aircraft on 18 March," says Parry. "This will enable us to make our first commercial flight on 28 March, from Gatwick."
By the end of May, the airline will have a fleet of five 737s in service on operating leases, comprising 148-seat -300s and -700s.
Source: Flight International
