Above cleared to launch by UK CAA
Above said behind the launch sits more than seven months of regulatory, engineering and operational preparation.
Above has become the UK’s newest operator following approval from the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).
Operating from Birmingham Airport’s XLR Executive Jet Centre, Above launches with 25 published fixed-price, city pair destinations across the UK and Europe, alongside flexible on-demand private charter services via charter brokers.
The firm will operate flights using its Embraer Phenom 100 (reg: G-FABV). The confirmed a second Phenom 100 has been identified, and discussions are ongoing as to where to position it.
Vince Essex, founder, CEO and accountable manager of Above, said: “Launching Above was never about starting another private aviation company; rather challenging the way on demand aviation is presented, purchased and experienced.
Vince Essex celebrates the launch of Above with the firm’s first aircraft.
“Private aviation has frequently been marketed around luxury and exclusivity. We believe today’s customers do not prioritise that. They’re entrepreneurs, professionals, creators who have worked hard to build successful lives and simply want to make better use of their time. Whether that’s travelling to an important business meeting, enjoying a weekend away, attending a family celebration or avoiding the compromises of scheduled airlines, our ambition is simple: to make short haul, on demand flying easy, transparent and accessible.”
Above launches with a range of fixed-price charter routes from Birmingham, covering same-day return and one-night stay destinations across the UK and Europe. Its initial network includes destinations such as Belfast City and Belfast International, Bordeaux, Brussels, Cannes, Copenhagen, Dublin, Edinburgh, Geneva, Glasgow, Guernsey, Jersey, Nice, Paris, Prague and Zurich.
Above also offers on demand flights from airports throughout the UK and near Europe. It is listed on the Avinode platform for charter brokers to access.
The Embraer Phenom 100 fits up to four passengers in club seating. It also has a fully enclosed private lavatory and dedicated refreshment centre.
“We selected the aircraft for its efficiency, performance, strong OEM support and ability to deliver a smart, accessible flying experience. For many journeys, passengers can arrive at the private terminal 30 minutes before departure, avoid lengthy airport queues and step from aircraft to waiting car within a few minutes, at many destinations,” said Essex.
At a glance – Above services:
- Published fixed-price travel from Birmingham
- On-demand private charter throughout the UK and near Europe
- Same day return travel
- Weekend escapes and family celebrations
- Sporting events and leisure travel
- Supporting peer operators/airlines on time-critical engineering and AOG situations
- Aircraft positioning and broker-led charter
- Urgent medical, humanitarian and specialist transport missions
- Feeder flights connecting with long-range private aircraft
