Post published:27/06/2023
Post category:Latest Member News
Reading time:4 mins read

The extraordinary challenge – to rebuild an airworthy Supermarine S5 Seaplane – is being led by one of TAG
Aviation’s own pilots, Will Hosie. With over 22,000 flying hours, Will has a wealth of experience in aircraft
such as Airbus, Boeing, McDonnell Douglas, Beechcraft, Bombardier, de Havilland and various seaplanes plus
aerobatics and charity flights.
Aviation heritage is an important part of TAG’s story, as we lead by innovation and inspiration, which is why
we’re excited to get on board with Will and the team of pilots, engineers, volunteers and supporters.
With plans to involve universities and schools local to the project sites of Bodmin in Cornwall and later
Calshot in Southampton, the charity hopes to not only educate but also inspire young people to take up
aeronautics and engineering whilst discovering a love of aviation.
The world famous Supermarine Spitfire didn’t suddenly appear, it was the result of a long development
programme run by its designer RJ Mitchell, culminating in the Supermarine S5 and S6 seaplanes.
Without these aircraft, Mitchell’s Spitfire would never have been designed and built. They fundamentally
changed how engineers thought about aircraft, impacting their design for decades to come. The S5 and S6 are essential elements of our national and engineering heritage. But, unlike the Spitfire, very few people know of them, and they are in danger of being forgotten.
These British aircraft competed with the French, Italians and Americans in the Schneider Trophy contests
from 1913 to 1931. In the 1920s and 30s the Schneider Trophy, a speed contest for seaplanes, was arguably
the most exciting and glamorous sporting event in the world. Cutting edge technologies and innovations in
construction and aerodynamics were developed to compete for the trophy, pushing huge advancements in
aircraft design. Britain won three consecutive contests and thereby won the trophy outright and forever,
setting a new World Air Speed Record for the time.
Now, almost 100 years later, it is more important than ever to keep the heritage of the S5 alive. By 2027, the
centenary of her victory in the Schneider Trophy, she will be flying again. The aim is to bring this magnificent
flying machine back to life, to recreate the thrill and excitement of early aviation for a new generation.
The project hasn’t been without its setbacks. COVID meant the team had to move the build from Bordeaux,
France to Bodmin, UK – and then a devastating fire struck the hanger. The drawings, the build and the materials were all lost, which meant starting again from scratch. And of course, the materials are now at least 30% more expensive. Despite all of this, plans are getting back on track and TAG are excited to be involved in the future progress of the rebirth of this aviation icon.
pressoffice@tagaviation.com • www.tagaviation.com
The whole inspiring story can be found on the charity’s website www.supermarineseaplane.co.uk and more
information on opportunities to invest in and support the project can be found on their Crowdfunder site
www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/supermarineseaplane

The Schnider Trophy winning Supermarine S5 Seaplane in 1927

Building the wings required technical expertise

About TAG Aviation:
With a history dating back to 1966, TAG Aviation has pioneered industry standards within the
business aviation world. Focusing on client services, safety systems, operational excellence and
bespoke training. TAG offers a broad range of services including aircraft management, charter,
maintenance, training and an FBO in Macau. Employing around 500 staff worldwide with bases in
the UK, Geneva, Malta, Hong Kong, Singapore, Macau, Bahrain and Beijing. Please find more
information about us at www.tagaviation.com
Press Contact:
pressoffice@tagaviation.com

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We are a small family owned and run business that the introduction of new measures by BF would have caused severe financial hardship. I was recommended to ask BBGA for advice which they instantly gave even though we were not members. They attended various meetings by my side, took the situation to a higher level within the Government department and helped me achieve a satisfactory outcome. I wasn’t pressured to become a member but what became apparent was their genuine desire to help resolve aviation issues for the better of the community. This association covers almost every aspect of the industry, has representation on the majority of decision making panels and achieves results by either diluting possible harmful legislation or stopping it altogether. Its members receive updates in real time often leaving other associations to ‘cut and paste’ BBGA releases some time later.

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

The BBGA is the key trade body for UK business aviation, helping us keep up-to-date with developments and in contact with the wider UK bizav community. Everyone with any interest in UK business aviation should be a member

Clyde & CoMark Bisset Partner,

From first contact, to membership, to attending the 2021 Virtual Conference, I received a warm welcome for which I am extremely grateful. The mix of technical and strategic content re-enforced the decision to attend and was the right one at the right time for our business."

Sky Harbour UK LtdSteve Ford, Director

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British Business and General Aviation Association

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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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What Our Members Say

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British Business and General Aviation Association

What Our Members Say

Join BBGA

British Business and General Aviation Association

Paul Cremer

Jason Hayward

James Moreton

James Hardie

Aoife O’Sullivan

Alex Durand

Marc Bailey

Sarah Towerzey

Heather Gordon

Lindsey Oliver