Post published:03/06/2024
Post category:Latest Member News
Reading time:3 mins read

Embargoed until 29th May 2024, London: OPUL Jets, a premier private jet charter provider has announced a significant upgrade to its fleet through a new partnership with SpaceX’s Starlink Aviation. This strategic move will equip OPUL Jets’ compatible fleet with the latest in satellite internet technology, providing unparalleled connectivity to passengers.

Starlink Aviation, the aerospace division of SpaceX, is at the forefront of satellite internet solutions and is renowned for revolutionising in-flight connectivity. With this installation, OPUL Jets passengers can enjoy high-speed internet with low-latency and seamless access to streaming, live sports, movies and more during flights.

OPUL Jets is a premier private aviation charter brand, boasting a fleet comprising Bombardier mid-size, super mid-size, and ultra-long-range jets. They operate from strategically located bases in London, Dubai, Mumbai, and the Isle of Man.

The Starlink system promises download speeds ranging from 40-220 Mbps and upload speeds of 8-25 Mbps, with latency under 99 milliseconds. This allows passengers to stay connected whether they’re conducting business, watching live events, or just browsing the web.

OPUL Jets will be installing the Starlink system initially onto its Bombardier Global Express XRS. This ultra-long-range jet is ideal for intercontinental journeys with a 6,500 nm range. The 16-passenger configuration boasts a comfortable working and leisure environment with onboard catering facilities.

“Integrating Starlink technology into our fleet represents a transformative step for OPUL Jets and places us among the leading private jet companies globally,” said Harry Ackerman, Group CEO. “Our commitment to providing a superior travel experience aligns perfectly with the capabilities of Starlink, ensuring that our passengers can stay connected to what matters most, wherever they are in the world.”

Installation of the Starlink hardware is seamless and efficient, typically completed during routine maintenance checks to avoid any disruption in service. Each aircraft will be fitted with an Aero Terminal (the Antenna), a Power Supply Unit, and two Wireless Access Points, all interconnected with minimal, basic wire harnessing. The smooth installation was carried out by ACC Columbia, Germany and supported by the Starlink Aviation technical team.

OPUL Jets launch of the new Starlink internet service begins this month aboard its Global Express aircraft. OPUL Jets launch of the new Starlink internet service begins this month aboard its Global Express aircraft, which is operated by AV8Jet Charter Ltd, Malta. For more details visit: https://www.opuljets.com/fleet/global-express

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Inflite The Jet Centre Ltd.Penny Stephens, Director

BBGA is the main business and general aviation industry Association in the UK. It represents a wide range of services and operators. It’s contribution to fairly represent our interests with the regulators and government departments as well as other associations is absolutely essential. The various BBGA events throughout the year are a great opportunity for everyone to network and discuss the current industry affairs and issues BBGA’s ability to bring together all sectors of UK general and business aviation gives us enviable networking access. Nobody has the ear of the regulator like BBGA and that’s two-way thing; BBGA is not just able to elicit answers from EASA, the CAA and DfT, its advice and recommendations are sought both nationally and supra-nationally too. That makes membership a vital way to influence upcoming policy.

Luxaviation United Kingdom, London Executive Aviation LtdGeorge Galanopoulos, CEO & Managing Director

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Paul Cremer

My name is Paul Cremer, and this marks my 42nd year working within the business and general aviation industry. Over this time, I’ve had the privilege of overseeing a diverse array of sector activities, ranging from aircraft charter and management to air ambulance services, ground operations, air traffic control, airport management, technology implementation, and the outsourcing services I currently manage.

In my role focused on delivering advisory, technology, and outsourcing services to aviation customers, I handle a wide spectrum of responsibilities. This includes overseeing International Trip Support, Operations Control Centre Services (OCC), Continuing Airworthiness Management Service (CAMO), Airworthiness Reviews, ARC Services, Aircraft Delivery and Re-delivery Support Services, Maintenance Coordination Services including AOG, Tech Ops (Maintenance Control Centre), and managing myairops software products. As the Head of Aviation Delivery, I lead the customer-facing delivery of Technology & Outsourcing products and services for the market, drawing upon a wealth of knowledge, expertise, and industry connections within Gama Aviation’s Technology and Outsourcing Strategic Business Unit.

My journey into Business and General Aviation began during my teenage years while still in school. I was fortunate enough to be welcomed into the industry, starting at a flying club, and later working at the Air Traffic Services Unit at Blackbushe Airport. There, I maintained the ATC Movement Logs in the Control Tower during weekends, solidifying my passion for aviation. Upon completing my schooling, I seized opportunities at Fairoaks Airport, where I began as Ground Crew while pursuing my Aerodrome Flight Information Service Officer’s license. Advancements in my career led me to the role of Air Traffic Services Manager.

Since joining Gama Aviation in 1996, I’ve held various positions, including Operations Manager (Post Holder), Operations & Commercial Manager, Commercial Manager, Operations Delivery Manager, Head of Business Aviation Delivery, and currently, Head of Aviation Delivery. This role encompasses Gama Aviation Group’s Gama Aviation, myairops, and FlyerTech companies.

In 2023, I was honoured to be invited to serve as the Chair of the Operations Working Group for the British Business & General Aviation Association. This opportunity allows me to contribute to industry initiatives within BBGA’s membership of nearly 200 industry companies, focusing on challenges such as regulatory compliance, Air Services Agreements, technological advancements, workforce development, operational matters, and sustainability.

Marc Bailey

Marc Bailey has spent his entire career in aviation and has worked in most areas of Aviation Services with scheduled airlines, MRO’s, military contract support and latterly with associations, government, and its agencies.

Marc represents your position in Europe (even post Brexit) – as President of ECOGAS (European Council of General Aviation Support) which maintains a voice with EASA. All the major member states are represented on the ECOGAS board. With EASA restructuring its meetings with industry, ECOGAS is now well positioned to represent our position in all areas following industry partnerships with the European Independent Maintenance Group and with ARPAS the new drone and autonomous association.

Marc is chair of the UKASF (United Kingdom Airworthiness Strategic Forum) as part of an initiative to develop Aviation Services across all aviation activities. The UKASF pulls together airlines, MROs, Rotary, Drones, and commercial GA bodies to work with CAA and DfT. The objective is for industry to take the lead to drive strategic issues to benefit all parties. We are well positioned after four years to continue our good work and with the re-established role of Chief Surveyor in the CAA we have a good focal point to do this.

Marc chairs the CAA Finance and Services Forum which allows industry in the UK to discuss in the financial plans for the CAA and the value for money delivered by those funds paid by industry. This is a new and valuable new platform for all parties.

Under recent developments Marc has formed an alliance with, ARPAS, AOPA, BHA and BBGA so that we can strengthen our voice under a joint ‘GA 4 Biz’ banner. This alliance is working to do everything possible to represent the industry’s business interests with UK government and to help realise the Government’s desire to make UK General Aviation a Global Leader in a post Brexit environment. GA4Biz – GA4Biz

The next Generation initiatives with industry and government have continued to develop with the retention platform now evolving into the “Aviation Skills Recruitment Platform”. The platform now not only offers a vehicle for those offering and seeking posts in aviation, it also provides pathways with its TalentView portion seeking to provide pathways for new entrants into our sector. The recruitment platform is being further developed to include training opportunities across a wide range of providers, from government agencies through academic bodies. Getting our next generation activities right in the UK over the next couple of years is our single most important issue which we in aviation must grab with both hands. Marc is playing a central role to help develop many of these channels.

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British Business and General Aviation Association

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British Business and General Aviation Association

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