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Chartered plane to the rescue of Brexit Britain

[ December 17, 2020   //   ]

Broker Air Charter Service has contracted a UK-registered BAe 146 freighter ahead of the end of Brexit transition on 31 December.

The aircraft is the first of what ACS hopes to be a number of options that would ensure that it can continue to offer its clients competitive solutions during any scramble for capacity due to disruption. As the aircraft is UK-registered, there will be no need for permits to fly into the country.

ACS group cargo director, Dan Morgan-Evans, commented: “Whether there is a trade deal between the UK and EU or not, it is clear that there will be disruption ahead at the UK border. According to government statistics, if even a small percentage of cargo coming through the UK’s sea ports in January requires transportation by air due to the disruption, there would be a significant requirement for airfreight – the equivalent of filling thousands of Boeing B747 freighters, in some scenarios. With the continued lack of belly capacity potentially exacerbated in January by this anticipated spike in demand, charter aircraft will have to pick up the shortfall.”

He described the Bae 146 as an ideal aircraft in many scenarios, including of landing at smaller airports in the event of cargo congestion at major hubs. However, there are a limited number available, especially on the UK register.

Morgan-Evans added: “Whilst we can already source all of the 146’s on the market reactively like many other brokers, we felt that exclusive use of this aircraft would give ACS customers an advantage, should the situation escalate. We have a long history of dealing with these sorts of situations and know very well that relying on being ‘first come first served’ once demand has already spiked is not best for our customers – especially those who have last-minute requirements.”

The aircraft offers 12 tonnes of gross payload with a total volume of around 120cu m and, with the roller bed floors removed, could also be bulk loaded. 

Morgan-Evans concluded: “We would advise all of our customers to get in touch with potential requirements sooner rather than later. Even if you do not have firm requirements at this stage, starting the conversation sooner rather than later helps us move quickly in order to ensure clients do not miss out.”

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