Durham Tees Valley Airport’s new one-stop ground handling service Consort Aviation has swung into action, with its first customer, the UK’s largest air ambulance operator.
The in-house operation which started operating at the beginning of May provides services for all aspects of ground-handling activities, including fuel, to general, business and military aircraft.
Durham Tees Valley Airport, Business Development Director, David Grant explains that the new operation is an important step forward in delivering a key element in the Airport Masterplan to increase activity in the business and general aviation sectors.
He explains “Last year we began to implement our strategy of direct delivery of services by taking provision of aviation fuel in-house and now through Consort we can provide a co-ordinated delivery of the full range of VIP and specialist ground handling services.
“We were particularly pleased to get into action quickly, providing the handling services needed by Capital Air Ambulance for their medical transfer flight, and we are confident that we can offer a first-class service for a wide range of clients.”
Capital Air Ambulance, Managing Director and Chief Pilot, Malcolm Humphries said “Capital Air Ambulance regards the assistance provided by our ground handling partners across the world as a key part of our service to our customers and patients.
“Our requirements are different to normal business aviation expectations and we value the ability to fly to airports such as Durham Tees Valley that may be closer to the receiving facility for our patients. We congratulate Consort Aviation on the implementation of their new handling service and look forward to working with them.”