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{{Use British English|date=March 2018}}
{{Use British English|date=March 2018}}
{{Infobox company
{{Infobox company
| name = Air Partner PLC
| name = Air Partner
| logo = Air Partner logo.svg
| logo = APWU interim logo horizontal blue 296x76.png
| foundation =
| foundation = 1961
| founder = Tony Mack
| founder = Tony Mack
| location_city = 2 City Place, Beehive Ring Road, Gatwick, West Sussex, RH6 0PA <br /> [[United Kingdom]]
| location_city = 2 City Place, Beehive Ring Road, Gatwick, West Sussex, RH6 0PA <br /> [[United Kingdom]]
Line 10: Line 10:
| Map =
| Map =
| origins =
| origins =
| key_people = Mark Briffa CEO
| key_people = Mark Briffa (CEO)
| area_served =
| area_served = Worldwide
| industry = Aviation
| industry = Aviation
| products =
| products =
Line 22: Line 22:
| divisions =
| divisions =
| owner =
| owner =
| homepage = {{URL|http://www.airpartner.com/}}
| homepage =
| dissolved =
| dissolved =
| footnotes =
| footnotes =
}}
}}
Founded in 1961, '''Air Partner''' is a global aviation services group providing [[Air charter|aircraft charter]] services and aviation safety & security solutions to industry, commerce, governments and private individuals across the world.
Founded in 1961, '''Air Partner''' is a global aviation services group providing [[Air charter|aircraft charter]] services and aviation safety & security to industry, commerce, governments and private individuals across the world.


Air Partner Charter offers tailored charter solutions to meet often complex requirements across a suite of services, including Group Charter, [[Business jet|Private Jets]], [[Air cargo|Freight]] and other Specialist Services such as Scheduled Group Travel, Tour Operations, Air Evacuation, Aircraft Sales & Leasing and Flight Operations.  
Air Partner Charter offers Group Charter, [[Business jet|Private Jets]], [[Air cargo|Freight]] and other Specialist Services such as Tour Operations, Air Evacuation, Aircraft Sales & Leasing and Flight Operations.


Charter work represents Air Partner's largest income stream at 87% of the group’s profits.<ref>{{cite web |date=6 January 2023 |title=Air Partner Annual Report 2021 |url=https://www.annualreports.com/HostedData/AnnualReports/PDF/air-partner_2021.pdf}}</ref>
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.


Air Partner Safety & Security services span consulting, research, training and [[managed services]].
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.


With its headquarters located alongside [[Gatwick airport]] in the [[United Kingdom]], the Group employs 400 workers.
The company is publicly listed on the [[London Stock Exchange]] as {{London Stock Exchange|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.

In April 2022, Air Partner group was acquired by Wheels Up and delisted from the London Stock Exchange. <ref>{{Cite press release |last=Up |first=Wheels |title=Wheels Up Officially Closes Acquisition of Air Partner plc |url=https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/wheels-up-officially-closes-acquisition-of-air-partner-plc-301515544.html |access-date=2022-04-01 |website=www.prnewswire.com |language=en}}</ref>


==History==
==History==
Line 41: Line 43:
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.  
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.
In 1983 the company surrendered its Air Operator’s Licence to concentrate on aircraft broking. In 1999 Air London became Air Partner.


Air Partner Plc was acquired by Wheels Up in April 2022.
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==
==Chronology==
'''1961:''' Tony Mack Senior founded Airways Training, converting military pilots to civilian flying using flight simulators and a fleet of Beagles.  
'''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.
'''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.
'''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).
'''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.  
'''1994:''' Overseas expansion begins with the opening of Air Partner France in Paris.  


'''1995:''' The company achieves full listing on the London Stock Exchange [https://www.londonstockexchange.com/search?searchtype=all&q=AIP LSE: AIP].
'''1995:''' The company achieves full listing on the London Stock Exchange [https://www.londonstockexchange.com/search?searchtype=all&q=AIP LSE: AIP].


'''1997:''' Air Partner opens its first US-based office based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
'''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.
Air Partner opens its second mainland European office in Cologne, Germany.


'''1998:''' Specialist freight division launches.
'''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.
'''1999:''' The company name is changed from Air London to Air Partner.


Air Partner Travel Consultants is launched. The IATA and [[Air Travel Organisers' Licensing|ATOL]] bonded agency organises scheduled flights, limousine hire and accommodation.
Air Partner Travel Consultants is launched. The IATA and [[Air Travel Organisers' Licensing|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.
'''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.
'''2001:''' 24/7 office-based operations department opens at London Gatwick HQ.


'''2003:''' Air Partner delivers at least 4,000 tonnes of military supplies during the first Gulf War.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://corporatewatch.org/air-partner-the-home-offices-deportation-fixer/#sdfootnote6sym | title=Air Partner: The Home Office's little-known deportation fixer | date=6 January 2023 }}</ref> In an interview with Chairman Tony Mack explained "The Gulf War was a windfall for us. We’d hate to say ‘yippee, we’re going to war’, but I guess the net effect would be positive."<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.flightglobal.com/news/1013.type?page=4852 | title=All News articles – Page 4852 }}</ref>
'''2005:''' Air Partner opens an office in Italy.


'''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.


'''2006:''' The JetCard membership scheme is unveiled. JetCard<ref>{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=|title=JetCard|url=https://airpartner.com/en/private-jets/jetcard/|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=|website=airpartner.com}}</ref> 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.


'''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.

'''2008:''' Carbon neutral offset options are launched across all flights.


'''2010:''' Mark Briffa is appointed CEO.
'''2010:''' Mark Briffa is appointed CEO.
Line 84: Line 88:
Air Partner opens an office in Istanbul, Turkey.  
Air Partner opens an office in Istanbul, Turkey.  


UK headquarter moves to a larger premises alongside London Gatwick Airport, opposite [[Beehive, Gatwick Airport|The Beehive]] - Gatwick’s original terminal building with its grass runways, which opened in 1936.<ref>{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=2008-03-22|title=Terminals: the last word|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/travel/news-and-advice/terminals-the-last-word-799232.html|archive-url=|archive-date=|website=The Independent|language=en}}</ref> The company first began trading here in 1961 and has remained within 1&nbsp;km ever since.
'''2011:''' Air Partner celebrates 50 years of business!


Air Partner awarded a four-year contract with the [[Department for International Development|Department for International Development (DfID)]] to become its “sole provider of passenger and freight air charter services”,<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.cityam.com/air-partner-wins-dfid-contract/ | title=Air Partner wins DFID contract | date=11 October 2010 }}</ref> and had been hired to be a charter broker to the Foreign and Commonwealth Office Crisis Centre.<ref>https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201213/cmselect/cmfaff/80/80.pdf</ref>
UK headquarter moves to a larger premises alongside London Gatwick Airport, opposite [[Beehive, Gatwick Airport|The Beehive]] - Gatwick’s original terminal building with its grass runways, which opened in 1936.<ref>{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=2008-03-22|title=Terminals: the last word|url=http://www.independent.co.uk/travel/news-and-advice/terminals-the-last-word-799232.html|url-status=live|archive-url=|archive-date=|website=The Independent|language=en}}</ref> The company first began trading here in 1961 and has remained within 1km ever since.


'''2015:''' Air Partner acquires Cabot Aviation and Baines Simmons.<ref>{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=2015-08-19|title=Baines Simmons acquired by Air Partner plc|url=https://www.bainessimmons.com/baines-simmons-becomes-a-wholly-owned-subsidiary-of-air-partner-plc/|url-status=live|archive-url=|archive-date=|website=Baines Simmons}}</ref>
'''2015:''' Air Partner acquires Cabot Aviation and Baines Simmons.<ref>{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=2015-08-19|title=Baines Simmons acquired by Air Partner plc|url=https://www.bainessimmons.com/baines-simmons-becomes-a-wholly-owned-subsidiary-of-air-partner-plc/|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201029105614/https://www.bainessimmons.com/baines-simmons-becomes-a-wholly-owned-subsidiary-of-air-partner-plc/|archive-date=29 October 2020|website=Baines Simmons|access-date=12 August 2020}}</ref>


'''2016:''' Air Partner acquires Clockwork Research.
'''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.<ref>{{Cite web|title=JET CARD INSIDER: At Air Partner, Flexibility And Guaranteed Rates For Europe, CIS and the Middle East Are Core Strengths|url=https://privatejetcardcomparisons.com/2017/10/12/jet-card-insider-at-air-partner-flexibility-and-guaranteed-rates-for-europe-cis-and-the-middle-east-are-core-strengths/|url-status=live|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=|website=Private Jet Card Comparisons - Know Before You Buy|language=en-US}}</ref>
Air Partner acquires SafeSkys.<ref>{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=|title=Air Partner acquires SafeSkys|url=https://www.airpartner.com/en/latest-news/air-partner-acquires-safeskys/|archive-url=|archive-date=|website=www.airpartner.com}}</ref>


'''2018:''' Air Partner opens a new office in LA.
Air Partner acquires SafeSkys.<ref>{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=|title=Air Partner acquires SafeSkys|url=https://www.airpartner.com/en/latest-news/air-partner-acquires-safeskys/|url-status=live|archive-url=|archive-date=|website=www.airpartner.com}}</ref>


'''2018:''' Air Partner opens a new office in LA.
'''2019:''' Air Partner opens new offices in Houston, Singapore and Dubai.


Private Jet Card Comparisons named Air Partner's JetCard to its list of "Best Jet Cards For Summer Travel."<ref>{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=2018-05-22|title=Private Jet Card Comparisons selects "Best Jet Cards For Summer Travel"|url=https://privatejetcardcomparisons.com/2018/05/22/private-jet-card-comparisons-selects-best-jet-cards-for-summer-travel/|url-status=live|archive-url=|archive-date=|website=Private Jet Card Comparisons - Know Before You Buy|language=en-US}}</ref>
Air Partner acquires Redline.<ref>{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=2019-12-12|title=Air Partner plc acquires Redline Worldwide|url=https://www.aircargonews.net/business/acquisitions/air-partner-plc-acquires-redline-worldwide/|archive-url=|archive-date=|website=Air Cargo News|language=en}}</ref>


'''2020:''' Air Partner provides vital support throughout the global COVID-19 pandemic, including transporting medical supplies and PPE<ref>{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=|title=Air Partner Operates Hundreds of Cargo Flights|url=https://www.airpartner.com/en-US/latest-news/air-partner-operates-hundreds-of-cargo-flights|archive-url=|archive-date=|website=www.airpartner.com}}</ref> as well as evacuating over 300 British and EU nationals from Wuhan in the wake of the pandemic.<ref>{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=|title=Air Partner evacuates UK nationals from Wuhan|url=https://www.londonstockexchange.com/news-article/AIR/air-partner-evacuates-uk-nationals-from-wuhan/14423345|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=|website=www.londonstockexchange.com}}</ref>
'''2019:''' Air Partner opens new offices in Houston, Singapore and Dubai.


'''2021''' Acquisition of Kenyon International Emergency Services Inc.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.londonstockexchange.com/news-article/AIR/acquisition-of-kenyon-international/15113841?showDisclaimer=true|title=News article}}</ref>
Air Partner acquires Redline.<ref>{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=2019-12-12|title=Air Partner plc acquires Redline Worldwide|url=https://www.aircargonews.net/business/acquisitions/air-partner-plc-acquires-redline-worldwide/|url-status=live|archive-url=|archive-date=|website=Air Cargo News|language=en}}</ref>


Between August 2021 and February 2022, the Austrian government awarded Air Partner six Frontex-funded deportation contracts, worth an estimated average of €33,796.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://corporatewatch.org/air-partner-the-home-offices-deportation-fixer/ | title=Air Partner: The Home Office's little-known deportation fixer | date=6 January 2023 }}</ref>
'''2020:''' Air Partner provides vital support throughout the global COVID-19 pandemic, including transporting medical supplies and PPE<ref>{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=|title=Air Partner Operates Hundreds of Cargo Flights|url=https://www.airpartner.com/en-US/latest-news/air-partner-operates-hundreds-of-cargo-flights|url-status=live|archive-url=|archive-date=|website=www.airpartner.com}}</ref> as well as evacuating over 300 British and EU nationals from Wuhan in the wake of the pandemic.<ref>{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=|title=Air Partner evacuates UK nationals from Wuhan|url=https://www.londonstockexchange.com/news-article/AIR/air-partner-evacuates-uk-nationals-from-wuhan/14423345|url-status=live|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=|website=www.londonstockexchange.com}}</ref>

'''2022''' Air Partner Plc acquired by Wheels Up and delisted from London Stock Exchange.<ref>{{Cite press release |last=Up |first=Wheels |title=Wheels Up Officially Closes Acquisition of Air Partner plc |url=https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/wheels-up-officially-closes-acquisition-of-air-partner-plc-301515544.html |access-date=2022-04-01 |website=www.prnewswire.com |language=en}}</ref>

In August 2022, Air Partner was awarded a €15 million framework contract to arrange charter deportations for the European Coast Guard and Border Agency, Frontex.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://corporatewatch.org/air-partner-the-home-offices-deportation-fixer/ | title=Air Partner: The Home Office's little-known deportation fixer | date=6 January 2023 }}</ref>


Air Partner launches Air Partner Protect to safeguard customers against coronavirus.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Partner|first=Air|date=|title=Air Partner Launches New Suite of Services Designed Specifically to Help Safeguard Clients During COVID-19 Crisis|url=https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/air-partner-launches-new-suite-of-services-designed-specifically-to-help-safeguard-clients-during-covid-19-crisis-301021007.html|url-status=live|archive-url=|archive-date=|website=www.prnewswire.com|language=en}}</ref>


==References==
==References==
{{Reflist}}
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
* [http://www.airpartner.com/ Air Partner official website]


[[Category:Defunct airlines of the United Kingdom]]
[[Category:Defunct airlines of the United Kingdom]]
[[Category:2022 mergers and acquisitions]]

Latest revision as of 00:27, 8 July 2024

Air Partner
IndustryAviation
Founded1961
FounderTony Mack
Headquarters
2 City Place, Beehive Ring Road, Gatwick, West Sussex, RH6 0PA
United Kingdom
Area served
Worldwide
Key people
Mark Briffa (CEO)

Founded in 1961, Air Partner is a global aviation services group providing aircraft charter services and aviation safety & security to industry, commerce, governments and private individuals across the world.

Air Partner Charter offers Group Charter, Private Jets, Freight and other Specialist Services such as Tour Operations, Air Evacuation, Aircraft Sales & Leasing and Flight Operations.

Charter work represents Air Partner's largest income stream at 87% of the group’s profits.[1]

Air Partner Safety & Security services span consulting, research, training and managed services.

With its headquarters located alongside Gatwick airport in the United Kingdom, the Group employs 400 workers.

In April 2022, Air Partner group was acquired by Wheels Up and delisted from the London Stock Exchange. [2]

History

[edit]

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. In 1999 Air London became Air Partner.

Air Partner Plc was acquired by Wheels Up in April 2022.

Chronology

[edit]

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.

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.

2003: Air Partner delivers at least 4,000 tonnes of military supplies during the first Gulf War.[3] In an interview with Chairman Tony Mack explained "The Gulf War was a windfall for us. We’d hate to say ‘yippee, we’re going to war’, but I guess the net effect would be positive."[4]

2005: Air Partner opens an office in Italy.

2006: The JetCard membership scheme is unveiled. JetCard[5] 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.  

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.[6] The company first began trading here in 1961 and has remained within 1 km ever since.

Air Partner awarded a four-year contract with the Department for International Development (DfID) to become its “sole provider of passenger and freight air charter services”,[7] and had been hired to be a charter broker to the Foreign and Commonwealth Office Crisis Centre.[8]

2015: Air Partner acquires Cabot Aviation and Baines Simmons.[9]

2016: Air Partner acquires Clockwork Research.

Air Partner acquires SafeSkys.[10]

2018: Air Partner opens a new office in LA.

2019: Air Partner opens new offices in Houston, Singapore and Dubai.

Air Partner acquires Redline.[11]

2020: Air Partner provides vital support throughout the global COVID-19 pandemic, including transporting medical supplies and PPE[12] as well as evacuating over 300 British and EU nationals from Wuhan in the wake of the pandemic.[13]

2021 Acquisition of Kenyon International Emergency Services Inc.[14]

Between August 2021 and February 2022, the Austrian government awarded Air Partner six Frontex-funded deportation contracts, worth an estimated average of €33,796.[15]

2022 Air Partner Plc acquired by Wheels Up and delisted from London Stock Exchange.[16]

In August 2022, Air Partner was awarded a €15 million framework contract to arrange charter deportations for the European Coast Guard and Border Agency, Frontex.[17]


References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Air Partner Annual Report 2021" (PDF). 6 January 2023.
  2. ^ Up, Wheels. "Wheels Up Officially Closes Acquisition of Air Partner plc". www.prnewswire.com (Press release). Retrieved 1 April 2022.
  3. ^ "Air Partner: The Home Office's little-known deportation fixer". 6 January 2023.
  4. ^ "All News articles – Page 4852".
  5. ^ "JetCard". airpartner.com.
  6. ^ "Terminals: the last word". The Independent. 22 March 2008.
  7. ^ "Air Partner wins DFID contract". 11 October 2010.
  8. ^ https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201213/cmselect/cmfaff/80/80.pdf
  9. ^ "Baines Simmons acquired by Air Partner plc". Baines Simmons. 19 August 2015. Archived from the original on 29 October 2020. Retrieved 12 August 2020.
  10. ^ "Air Partner acquires SafeSkys". www.airpartner.com.
  11. ^ "Air Partner plc acquires Redline Worldwide". Air Cargo News. 12 December 2019.
  12. ^ "Air Partner Operates Hundreds of Cargo Flights". www.airpartner.com.
  13. ^ "Air Partner evacuates UK nationals from Wuhan". www.londonstockexchange.com.
  14. ^ "News article".
  15. ^ "Air Partner: The Home Office's little-known deportation fixer". 6 January 2023.
  16. ^ Up, Wheels. "Wheels Up Officially Closes Acquisition of Air Partner plc". www.prnewswire.com (Press release). Retrieved 1 April 2022.
  17. ^ "Air Partner: The Home Office's little-known deportation fixer". 6 January 2023.