CLOUD Global Group, the Glasgow-based aviation business, is able to operate passenger flights for the first time followings its acquisition of Fly Scenic Scotland.
Under ambitious plans unveiled by the recruitment and training group, travellers will be able to fly on new routes from regional Scottish airports to a number of destinations in the Western Isles from April.
Graeme Frater, managing director of Cloud Global, revealed the plans after concluding a deal for Carlisle-based Border Air Training.
The deal includes Fly Scenic Scotland, which currently operate sightseeing flights and provides aircraft charter services throughout the UK.
The acquisition will immediately lift Cloud Global’s revenue to £4 million, and provides the company with an Air Operator Certificate (AOC) for the first time, allowing it to carry passengers.
“At the moment we can only offer flight training, but this [acquisition] means we can operate passenger flights from A to B,” said managing director, Graeme Frater. “Currently the business is used for sightseeing tours, which we’re not licensed to operate at the moment, so it adds another dimension to the business.”
The company will begin operating flights from Oban Airport and Carlisle Airport from April 1, and Mr Frater said this would likely expand to other airports from which it currently has bases, including Cumbernauld and Perth.
While each of the two airplanes which will operate can carry only three passengers, Mr Frater said this could increase to five through the use of other aircraft in the group’s fleet.
“There are various [destinations] in the Western Inner Hebrides, but it could be more obvious than that with demand for flights from the Glasgow area, we have bases in Cumbernauld and Perth. There are a lot of whisky tours out that way so the opportunities are endless.”
The Glasgow-based company, which has a division that recruits staff for leading global airlines, has a client base spanning four continents, but this deal also gives it a first airport base in England.
Border Air Training has been operating flying schools at Carlisle Airport in Cumbria and Cumbernauld Airport for 26 years, making it one of the UK’s most established flight training centres.
Mr Frater said the acquisition route made more business sense than obtaining an AOC. “There is a lot of time and effort gone into this company, it’s been established for 26 years, so to create that from scratch is a big job.”
The purchase of Border Air Training and Fly Scenic Scotland will create an operation with a combined workforce of 30 employees.
Mr Frater said: “We had been looking for an opportunity to expand the company and we felt Border Air Training and Fly Scenic Scotland provided an excellent fit with our business model.
“We see this as a very exciting development for both companies. Our strategy of developing various divisions has proven very successful and this deal will allow us to explore new opportunities.”
Since its launch in 2010, Cloud Global Group has built its reputation in providing aviation recruitment services and aircraft leasing. The group also offers commercial flight training and aircraft maintenance services from Perth Airport. In December 2016 it acquired ACS Aviation – then the operator of Perth Airport.
As a result of that acquisition, Cloud Global has been operating the airport for owners Morris Leslie Group.
Cloud Global was founded in 2010 Mr Frater, technical director Craig McDonald and commercial director Craig Ewart. The business became known for its leasing and parts business – and a recruitment division called aviationmatch.com, which recruits pilots and engineers for global airlines such as Emirates and Etihad.
Mr Frater said the group plans to develop all areas of the business over the coming 12 months and is currently recruiting to add flying instructors, administrators, commercial pilots and aircraft engineers to the team.
The fleet now consists of over 20 aircraft on lease to flying schools and clubs throughout Europe.
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