Some of the Smart Team L-R: Kacper Wojtaszek (VIP Charter Broker), James Gregory (Head of VIP Charters), Dan Parker (Head of Charter Flight Operations & Airline Leading),and Jame Milsom (ACMI Broker). 

30 June 2023: It’s hard to believe that we are already halfway through the year and at the end of Q2. 2022 was phenomenal for Smart, with strong growth reported across all areas of the business. This year has been even busier and is set to be even more profitable.

Here’s a ‘Smart Look Back’ at Q2 detailing the challenges faced by our highly experienced team, a celebration of their successes, and their valuable insights on the aviation industry:

Constant demand for ACMI 

2022 was a great ACMI year for Smart and it continues to be the one of the cornerstone’s of the business. Led by our Head of Charter Flight Operations & Airline Leading, Dan Parker, Smart has secured a substantial number of long term ACMI contracts for this year. 

Smart is continuing to have considerable success on the short term side of ACMI but the lack of availability for long term leasing is still proving to be an issue. There is massive demand for narrow body aircrafts and the demand is currently higher than the supply. Airlines are still urgently seeking solutions to the lack of availability, as a result of Boeing and Airbus still facing delays of aircraft deliveries because of the knock on effect from the pandemic, including lack of parts and fully trained staff. 

Jamie Milsom, who joined Smart Aviation last September as an ACMI broker, continues to flourish within the ACMI team. Parker said: “I am astounded by how much Jamie has grown in confidence in such a short amount of time. He has now secured multiple ACMI bookings. After only nine months with us, he has already reached the point where he needs minimal guidance. We are excited to watch him grow even further within the company”.

The team is continuing to look for seasonal placements and has already started working on finalising winter leases, and planning ahead for our clients’ requirements in 2024. 

Mass incoming of new private jet clients

Smart’s private jet team, led by Head of VIP Charters James Gregory, has reported a record number of new private jet clients this year. The team has been handling a number of exciting new requests, and it’s making the team hungry for more.

The addition of Kacper to the team this month as a VIP Charter Broker, means the private jet area of the business is continuing to soar. Summer availability has tightened up a lot, as it does every summer, and airport slots are becoming limited, so last minute requests are becoming more difficult. 

Gregory said: “We stress to our clients every year that it is important to book as early as possible, so that we can find them the perfect solution for their travel requirements. Summer is always the busiest time for private jet travel and whilst availability is in short supply, we always ensure our clients receive a cost effective solution, whilst never compromising on quality”. 

Football Frenzy

The first six months of the year were extremely busy with all the charters we arranged to UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League and UEFA Europa Conference League games, as well as to Premier League matches. We completed our last flight for this football season just over two weeks ago, and are already focusing now on the charters we have locked in for the early rounds of European leagues starting in July.

There’s no signs of our involvement in football slowing down; in the last week alone we have secured charters for seven different teams competing in the qualifying rounds. 

Alba Star shines on Smart’s Lourdes 

Smart’s comprehensive charter service to Lourdes is in full swing. Our charters started in April and by October, we will have transported over 40,000 worshippers to join the world’s largest catholic pilgrimage. Our chosen partner Alba Star, a privately-owned airline headquartered in Palma de Mallorca, continues to operate the flights flawlessly for us. We have a lot of charters to Lourdes in July, but historically things always slow down a little in August as the weather hits its peak. Our program will continue to run until October 2023. 

Smart’s Managing Director, Mark Hawkins, said: “I am delighted to be ending Q2 in a strong position once more. We knew it would be challenging to top last year, but the team has nearly exceeded their targets for the year already, and we have plenty more exciting opportunities ahead. I know we have the best team in the business, and I am proud of each of the team”. 

As always, we are available 24/7 to assist with any charter enquiries you may have.

Why choose Smart?

Our business revolves around you

– Exactly what you need

– You’re dealing with the experts. Our goal is excellence in service and execution – our extensive knowledge and expertise ensure we deliver.

Cost effective with no compromise

– Our unrivalled operator relationships and leverage in the European market ensures you get the most cost-effective solution, without compromising on quality.

We are always available

– Our operational support team is on-hand 24/7, 365 days a year, to deal with the unexpected and keep you flying – for total peace of mind.

Call or email us today – sales@smart-aviation.co.uk / + 44 1293 551244