Private jet hire firm Bristol Flying Centre (BFC), which flies celebrities, sports stars and business people from Bristol Airport, has been acquired by Guernsey-based Pula Aviation.
BFC also operates aircraft management and handling, maintenance and engineering as well as pilot training. The acquisition includes its subsidiary Centreline Air Charter – a leader in private air charter and aircraft management.
The firm operates from modern, purpose-built facilities at Bristol Airport and is the only one of its kind in the South West with a 24-hour operation.
Its private Silver Lounge can take up to 60 passengers and has a dedicated check-in area, the latest screening equipment, air conditioning and wi-fi and TVs.
The lounge is available 24/7, 365 days per year and promises to keep its users out of the view of other airport users. It is just a few yards from the apron where private jets collect their passengers.
The firm recently set up a global Air Operators Certificate (AOC) and added two further aircraft to its existing fleet of corporate jets under management.
Financial details of the deal have not been released.
Guernsey-based family-owned Pula has a wide portfolio of interests which includes aircraft ownership.
Group finance director Colin Pickard said: “The Pula Group has enjoyed a close working relationship with Bristol Flying Centre for a number of years and this acquisition represents a natural progression for the group as it expands its aviation interests in the UK and the Channel Islands”.
BFC managing director Tanya Raynes added: “We are delighted to have completed a deal with an organisation that shares our vision for the future and which will ensure the company is able to progress its widely publicised growth strategy.”
As part of the deal Pula’s group finance director Colin Pickard and managing director Nick Brown will join Tanya Raynes, BFC compliance director Patrick Wagstaff, commercial director Phil Brockwell and finance director Louise Bull on the board of BFC.
Pictured, from left: Tanya Raynes, Pat Wagstaff, Louise Bull and Phil Brockwell of BFC with Pula Aviation MD Nick Brown
