New British cargo carrier One Air is expecting "initial demand" for flights to Asia, Europe and the Middle East after being awarded an Air Operators’ Certificate by the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).
The certification was announced on April 24 after the Boeing 747-400 freighter operator carried out a proving flight in July 2022 and after "a rigorous application process for an operating licence".
One Air, which said it is the UK's sole 747 operator, said it expects to "ultimately" do cargo flights to and from China and the US.
“The important role freighter services played in supporting the UK economy and the public throughout the pandemic demonstrated the level of demand which exists for a British cargo airline," said chief executive Paul Bennett.
We expect to add our second 747F later this year and have the financial resources to grow in line with the level of demand we see," added Bennett, who is also the majority owner. One Air has dry-leased its first freighter.
The carrier is based at Kingston, near London Heathrow, Europe's busiest airport, and has a team of 130 people put together for the start of operations, including pilots recruited from Cathay Pacific and Emirates.
Among those to join are Chris Hope, the chief operating officer, who brings "35 years’ previous experience with the forerunners to TUI as well as easyJet and Flybe". Hope has teamed up with chief financial officer Jon Hartley and chief technical officer David Tattersall, who have worked at carriers such as British Airways and Flybe.
The new operator said it has appointed Air One Aviation as its global sales agent, with Dnata the handling agent in London Heathrow. ESP will provide software and help-desk support, One Air said, with Leon hired for crew training and rostering, CHAMP for weight and balance systems, and PPS for flight planning.
"Aero People and Altitude Global will provide line maintenance at London Heathrow, with Hangar 901 acting at One Air’s partner for hangar maintenance", One Air announced.