Coventry Airport Announcing a Positive Milestone After Resuming Cargo Flights

Tue, 11 Oct 2011 15:36:38 GMT

Cargo services were stopped at Coventry Airport when it temporarily closed in December 2009 but it has been up and running again since the business was bought by Sir Peter Rigby last year.

The airport is now open for cargo business once again with flights having started to Maastricht, Lille and Dublin after a six-figure deal was agreed with Atlantic Airlines which is part of the West Atlantic Group.

Marc Watkins, business development manager at Coventry Airport, said: “We are aiming to re-build our reputation within the cargo industry as an airport which offers competitive rates and a central UK location.

“These new cargo flights mean we will also be open for business longer for private aircraft, business jets, helicopters and training flights which can only be good news for the aviation industry in the Midlands as there is now another valid alternative.”

Atlantic Airlines' general manager Greg Little expressed the airline’s pleasure at returning to Coventry Airport.

“We are delighted to return to Coventry Airport, our engineering base, and centre of operations. We will be working closely with our customers and the Coventry Airport team to develop additional air cargo services now that the airport has regained the capability to support this.”

Atlantic Airlines is part of the West Atlantic Group, Europe’s largest regional cargo operator.

Further information regarding cargo flights is available from Marc on 024 7630 8617.

Royal Marines to lead the real ‘Heroes Fly-in’ at Coventry Airport

Thu, 23 Sep 2010 16:37:16 GMT

Coventry Airport's real heroes fly-in, at this Sunday’s (26 September) crowd pulling fund raising event for wounded servicemen and women, will be led by a former Royal Marine paralysed from the waist down.

Marine Arthur Vaughan Williams, who is paraplegic after severing his spinal cord, will be at the controls of a PA28 Warrior, which will land on Coventry’s runway at 1pm. He will be accompanied by serving Royal Marine Dave Corcoran, who is recovering from extensive gunshot wounds received in the line of duty. Following the fly-in, both will take part in a lap of honour at the airfield in recognition of wounded servicemen and women.

Williams said: “It is an honour to fly in to Coventry and represent military personnel serving us around the world and to see that the public are so supportive of us.”

Williams saw active service on H.M.S. Albion, before a serious spinal injury ended his Marines’ career and he left honourably following final rehabilitation at military hospital, Headley Court. He is now training for a commercial pilot's license, recently won gold at wheelchair racing in Birmingham’s half marathon and is on the Paralympic development squad 2012.

Sir Peter Rigby, Chairman of Patriot Aerospace, owner of Coventry Airport, said: "I can think of a no more fitting or emotional highlight of the day than a real heroes fly-in dedicated to honouring the bravery of Britain’s wounded service personnel and those currently engaged in conflicts around the world. These young men and women give everything to defend our way of life, resulting in many having to overcome tremendous physical and emotional challenges if they are wounded in action, it is both inspiring and humbling."

Mike Hammond, Chief Executive of Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham Charity, for whom the event is raising funds through Help for Heroes, said: "Military patients from around the world are flown back to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham where they start their rehabilitation journey. It is through the support of events such as the Coventry Airport Fly-in that we are able to fund new equipment and therapies that have never before been available in this country. Please attend the Fly-in and support our troops - every pound raised makes a difference."

Some of the world’s most iconic aircraft will be plotting a course for the Fly-in this Sunday. Crowds attending could be witnessing history as the iconic Vulcan bomber takes to the skies, landing at 11am for what may be its last ever public appearance. It will be followed by the super-sonic Tornado and two 1950s era Venom jet fighters, which are set to take off at around noon. The ‘Heroes’ will fly in at 1pm.

With the opportunity to get close up and personal with pilots and crew, hangar based shopping and entertainment, thousands of families and aviation fans will be helping to raise funds to go towards improving the lives of wounded servicemen and women who are being treated at the Centre for Defence Medicine, based at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham.

The Fly-in is staged in partnership with the Armed Forces, the Royal Centre for Defence Medicine, Coventry City Council, CV One, Loop, Classic Flight Club and Heliflight.

This great day out for families and aviation fans is by a donation of £20 per car or £5 per pedestrian.

For more information about the event please visit www.flyincoventryairport.com.

Advance tickets are now available to book online at www.visitcoventry.co.uk.

Transport and parking information

Travel Coventry will run a free bus service from Pool Meadow Bus Station in Coventry city centre every 30 mi

Are you a natural born flyer? Take up the Hover Challenge at Coventry Airport

Thu, 23 Sep 2010 11:10:50 GMT

Visitors to Coventry Airport's Fly-in on Sunday September 26 will be given the chance to test their natural flying skills by taking up the gauntlet of the Hover Challenge.

Holding any helicopter in a steady hover is one of the most difficult skills an airman has to master, but at the Coventry Airport Fly-in visitors will be offered the opportunity to take up the challenge and try to complete the feat themselves. With an instructor by their side, participants will be given a demonstration of the controls before being asked to keep the helicopter within a 20 metre circle for as long as possible.

"Many people imagine that as helicopters are designed to hover, keeping the craft airborne and stationary will be almost straightforward. In fact nothing could be further from the truth. Hovering is a particularly difficult skill and a fantastic measure of your natural flying ability, and we're looking forward to unearthing the best undiscovered pilots in Britain when they take on the Hover Challenge on Sunday," said Sir Peter Rigby, whose company Patriot Aerospace owns Coventry Airport.

With large crowds expected at the fundraising event for Britain's wounded servicemen and women, the competition is expected to be intense as members of the public are invited to test their abilities at the helicopter's controls. A free introductory helicopter flight and flying lesson will be handed to the would-be pilot who manages to hover longest during Sunday's event, which plans to raise funding to improve the lives of the wounded servicemen and women treated at the Centre for Defence Medicine based at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham.

Staged in partnership with the Armed Forces, the Royal Centre for Defence Medicine, Coventry City Council, Coventry Telegraph, CV One, Loop, Classic Flight Club and Heliflight, the Fly-in will see the ace helicopter jockey join a massive line up of flying heroes at Coventry Airport. With a host of iconic aircraft including the Vulcan bomber, and Tornado jet fighter slated to appear, crowds traveling to join in the fun will also see the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight roar into action.

For general information please visit Coventry Airport or the Coventry Airport facebook page

ENDS

For more information/ images contact:

Beatrice Mocci: beatrice@revolver-pr.co.uk / Tel 0141 339 4175
Judy Groves: judy.groves@sch-group.com / Tel 0121 766 2594

Louise Acton: louise.acton@btinternet.com / Tel 07595 355 938

Ticket Enquiries: 02476 225 616

Notes to Editor

About Coventry Airport

Coventry Airport was acquired by Sir Peter Rigby’s aviation group, Patriot Aerospace, in April 2010. The strategic acquisition will create a vibrant, commercial regional hub for General Aviation, including leisure, business and freight; with passenger flights amongst possible future plans, alongside creating more jobs. The deal firmly establishes Patriot's status as a leading and fast growing General Aviation specialist in the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland. The acquisition of Coventry Airport dovetails with the Group's extensive national flight training, charter, sales and engineering operations.

Patriot Aerospace operates through three specialist aviation businesses: Patriot Aviation, Heliflight and London Helicopter Centres. Through these brands, customers have access to a nationwide and end to end general aviation service, including learning to fly, buying or chartering; refurbishment, avionics, engineering and maintenance; and affordable access to VIP business and leisure helicopter charter. It operates from six air bases: Cranfield, Coventry, Enniskillen, Gloucester

Tornado hits Coventry Airport

Wed, 15 Sep 2010 11:25:02 GMT

The iconic Tornado jet is to fly into Coventry Airport on Sunday 26th September as the world of aviation rallies round in support of Britain's wounded servicemen and women.

With the attendance of one of the world's most recognisable fighter-bombers now confirmed, crowds flocking to see the Tornado land on the runway are guaranteed a rare opportunity to see the last century's most iconic aircraft in one place at one time. Also joining the versatile combat plane on the day will be the legendary Vulcan bomber and the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, making Coventry Airport's Fly-in one of the few occasions where the public will be able to simultaneously see history's most significant aircraft.

"A super-sonic, low level, fighter aircraft, currently in service in Afghanistan, the Tornado is a breath taking sight to behold. It is absolutely fantastic to have both the Vulcan and the Tornado taking part. Both aircrafts, pilots and crews will be on the ground to meet the visiting public.” said Sir Peter Rigby, Chairman of Patriot Aerospace, owner of Coventry Airport.

The announcement follows news that with the online box office now open and ticket sales well underway, Coventry Airport is offering free on-site parking, a saving of £16 for a family of four, to early-bird visitors who pre-book their tickets for the fundraising event. Promising to be a fantastic day out for families, the ‘Fly In’ experience will offer the opportunity to get up close and personal with pilots, aircrew and a range of military and civilian aircraft.

"We owe all of our servicemen and women a debt of honour and gratitude. These are people who risk their lives every day on our behalf, and we believe that the least we can do is ensure that they are given the very best available care after being wounded in action," said Sir Peter Rigby, Chairman of Patriot Aerospace, owner of Coventry Airport.

"I'm delighted to say that the aviation industry is giving its full support to what looks certain to be a great day out in aid of a fantastic cause. We'll be putting on a range of entertainments and displays that offer something for everybody, so please put the date in your diary and get ready to have some fun."

The funds raised at the event will go towards improving the lives of wounded servicemen and women who are all treated at the Centre for Defence Medicine based at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham. The 'Fly in' at Coventry Airport is staged in partnership with the Armed Forces, the Royal Centre for Defence Medicine, Coventry City Council, Coventry Telegraph, CV One, Loop, Classic Flight Club and Heliflight.

The Fly in takes place on Sunday 26th September 2010 at Coventry Airport. In addition to watching some of our most iconic aircraft - both Military and Civilian flying in, visitors will also be able to experience hangar-based shopping, entertainment and even participate in the whole fly in experience by taking a helicopter flight around the airport.

For further information regarding the free parking offer and to book advance tickets online, please visit: http://www.visitcoventry.co.uk embedded link http://www.visitcoventry.co.uk/thedms.asp?dms=71&shop=5&sct=348&campaign=1839

For more information about the event please visit: http://www.flyincoventryairport.com

For general information about Coventry Airport, please visit: http://www.coventryairport.co.uk/ or the Coventry Airport facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Coventry-Airport/103561746367690?v=info&ref=ts

ENDS

For more information/ images contact:

Beatrice Mocci: beatrice@revolver-pr.co.uk / Tel 0141 339 4175
Judy Groves: judy.groves@sch-group.com / Tel 0121 766 25

Early bird bookers offered free on site parking for Coventry Airport's 'Fly in' event

Tue, 14 Sep 2010 10:41:11 GMT

With the online box office now open and ticket sales well underway, Coventry Airport is offering free on site parking worth £16 for a family of four to early-bird visitors who pre-book their tickets for the fundraising 'Fly in' event taking place on 26th September 2010.

Set to raise urgently needed funds for Britain's wounded servicemen and women, the event promises to be a fantastic day out for families, aviation fans and children of all ages, the reinvigorated airport is set to see the famous Battle of Britain Memorial Flight fly past. As recently revealed, one of the world’s most recognisable military aircraft, the iconic Vulcan, will be a major highlight of the fundraising event in support of Help for Heroes.

Dedicated to raising funds for personnel injured on active service, the ‘Fly In’ experience will offer the opportunity to get up close and personal with pilots, aircrew and a range of military and civilian aircraft.

The funds raised at the event will go to improving the lives of wounded servicemen and women who are all treated at the Centre for Defence Medicine based at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham. The 'Fly in' at Coventry Airport is staged in partnership with the Armed Forces, the Royal Centre for Defence Medicine, Coventry City Council, CV One, Loop, Classic Flight Club and Heliflight.

For further information regarding the free parking offer and to book advance tickets online, please visit: http://www.visitcoventry.co.uk

For more information about the event please visit: http://www.flyincoventryairport.com

For more information/ images contact:

Beatrice Mocci: beatrice@revolver-pr.co.uk / Tel 0141 339 4175
Judy Groves: judy.groves@sch-group.com / Tel 0121 766 2594

Louise Acton: louise.acton@btinternet.com / Tel 07595 355 938

Notes to Editor

About Coventry Airport

Coventry Airport open for business

Thu, 26 Aug 2010 12:41:37 GMT

Coventry Airport is open for business and operational again following its acquisition by Sir Peter Rigby’s Patriot Aerospace, earlier this year.

The announcement signals a new era for the Airport, which is committed to job creation and income generation in the communities it serves. Championing the vision of a vibrant commercial regional hub for general aviation, Patriot Aerospace will offer a range of aviation services - including leisure, business and freight - with passenger flights cited amongst the possibilities for future developments.

"I'm truly excited to be launching a new era in the long history of Coventry Airport. With the groundwork done, we can now handle business jets, cargo, light aircraft and helicopters, but this is just the beginning of what we would like to achieve," said Patriot Aerospace Chairman Sir Peter Rigby.

"Coventry is an airport with a big future. We intend to make it one of the crown jewels of the local area, providing economic growth and jobs in the community, and will leave no stone unturned in our efforts to develop the business."

Under the new management team, Coventry Airport is now proactively investigating areas for expansion. With the return of scheduled flights to the site identified as a key potential source of growth, Patriot Aerospace is currently searching for viable airlines capable of offering passengers the right routes at the right prices, and also has plans to develop existing customers, suppliers and tenants.

“The owners have immense commercial experience and an excellent track record and we look forward to working closely with them.”Cllr Linda Bigham, Coventry City Council Cabinet member for City Development, said: "This is excellent news and is evidence of Patriot Aerospace’s commitment to the future of Coventry Airport.

"It supports hundreds of jobs and its long-term development and viability is essential for the local economy."I believe that a city like ours should have its own airport and a successful Coventry Airport provides an enormous opportunity to raise the profile of our city and sub-region."

Louise Bennett, Chief Executive of Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, said: “The Chamber has been a long advocate of a vibrant airport in the city and this is extremely good news. The airport generates and supports hundreds of jobs and has far greater potential than has been realised in recent years.”

Sir Peter has a long track record of investing in the Midlands where he is a major employer and vocal champion. His international technology group, SCH plc has its headquarters and main campus in Birmingham, while his luxury country hotel group, the Eden Collection, owns Mallory Court in Leamington Spa and the newly re-opened Arden Hotel in Stratford-upon-Avon, which is a joint venture with the Royal Shakespeare Company.

Ends

For more information/ images contact

Beatrice Mocci Revolver PR beatrice@revolver-pr.co.uk
Tel 0141 339 4174
Louise Acton / Judy Groves judy.groves@sch-group.com
Tel 0121 766 2594

Notes to Editor

About Coventry Airport and Patriot Aerospace
Coventry Airport was acquired by Sir Peter Rigby’s aviation group, Patriot Aerospace, in April 2010.

The deal firmly establishes Patriot's status as a leading and fast growing General Aviation specialist in the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland. The acquisition of Coventry Airport dovetails with the Group's extensive national flight training, charter, sales and engineering operations.

Patriot Aerospace operates through three specialist aviation businesses: Patriot Aviation, Heliflight and London Helicopter Centres. Through

Coventry Airport to host fundraising 'Fly in' for wounded servicemen and women

Thu, 05 Aug 2010 12:41:52 GMT

Some of our most iconic aircraft - both Military and Civilian - are plotting a course for Coventry Airport on 26th September 2010 in a bid to raise urgently needed funds for Britain's wounded servicemen and women.

In what promises to be a fantastic day out for families, aviation fans and children of all ages, the reinvigorated airport is set to see the famous Battle of Britain Memorial Flight fly past in support of today's wounded heroes. Dedicated to raising funds for personnel injured on active service, the ‘Fly In’ experience will offer the opportunity to get up close and personal with pilots, aircrew and a range of military and civilian aircraft.

Organised in support of Help for Heroes’, the funds raised will go to improving the lives of wounded servicemen and women who are all treated at the Centre for Defence Medicine based at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham. The Fly in at Coventry Airport is staged in partnership with the Armed Forces, the Royal Centre for Defence Medicine, Coventry City Council, CV One, Loop, Classic Flight Club and Heliflight.

The Fly in takes place on Sunday 26th September 2010 at Coventry Airport. In addition to watching aircraft flying in, visitors will also be able to experience hangar-based shopping, entertainment and even participate in the whole fly in experience by taking a helicopter flight around the airport.

For more information about the event please visit: http://www.flyincoventryairport.com

ENDS

For more information/ images contact:

Beatrice Mocci: beatrice@revolver-pr.co.uk / Tel 0141 339 4175
Judy Groves: judy.groves@sch-group.com / Tel 0121 766 2594

Louise Acton: louise.acton@btinternet.com / Tel 07595 355 938

Notes to Editor

About Coventry Airport

Patriot Aerospace operates through three specialist aviation businesses: Patriot Aviation, Heliflight and London Helicopter Centres. Through these brands, customers have access to a nationwide and end to end general aviation service, including learning to fly, buying or chartering; refurbishment, avionics, engineering and maintenance; and affordable access to VIP business and leisure helicopter charter. It operates from five air bases: Cranfield, Coventry, Enniskillen, Gloucester, Redhill and Wolverhampton.

For more information about the Group visit http://www.patriotaerospace.uk.com/

About Sir Peter Rigby

Coventry Airport gears up for business

Wed, 16 Jun 2010 09:28:56 GMT

Less than five weeks after acquiring Coventry Airport, Sir Peter Rigby’s aviation group, Patriot Aerospace, has signed a £4million contract with Serco for air traffic services.
The objective is to get Coventry Airport fully operational as quickly as possible and provide the highest levels of air traffic services with full radar and instrumental approaches.

Sir Peter Rigby, Chairman of Patriot Aerospace Group, who purchased the airfield in April following its liquidation, said: “We are confident we have selected the best option in Serco for the future air traffic service for the Airport, and with the co-operation of the Civil Aviation Authority and the new provider we will have full air traffic services operational shortly.

“This underpins our strategy to resume full normal operations, including attracting business jet traffic, freight and potentially future airline operations. Since acquiring the airfield we have created some 30 new jobs, introduced the first new aviation business in the form of Heliflight, our own helicopter flying training school, seen the launch of the new Air Base operation and secured approximately 400 jobs in tenant businesses on and associated with the airport. We are now preparing our plans for its future development and expect to progress these in the coming months.”

Serco is totally committed to getting Coventry Airport fully operational and Chief Executive of Serco’s civil aviation business, Andrew White, said: “As the world’s leading private sector provider of civil and military air traffic services, we are looking forward to helping return Coventry Airport to full operations. Serco operates on a global basis and handles about 6 million aircraft movements each year at airports in Europe, the Middle East and North America. We will bring that expertise to bear on establishing our service at Coventry with a specialist team in place to provide safe and secure air traffic services.”

Sir Peter has a long track record of investing in the West Midlands region where he is a major employer and vocal champion. His international technology group, SCH plc, has its headquarters and main campus in Birmingham, while his luxury country hotel group, the Eden Collection, owns Mallory Court in Leamington Spa and is joint venturing with the Royal Shakespeare Company to re-open Stratford-Upon Avon’s Arden hotel, later this year.

ENDS

About Patriot Aerospace Group
Formally known as Patriot Aviation, the Patriot Aerospace Group is a leading General Aviation specialist in the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland. With operations spanning a full range of national flight training, charter, sales and engineering operations, the group combines three distinct brands, each recognised as experts in their field. It operates from six air bases: Cranfield, Enniskillen, Gloucester, Redhill and Wolverhampton and Coventry.

Patriot Aerospace operates through three specialist aviation businesses: Patriot Aviation, Heliflight and London Helicopter Centres. Through these brands, customers have access to a nationwide and end to end general aviation service, including learning to fly, buying or chartering; refurbishment, avionics, engineering and maintenance; and affordable access to VIP business and leisure helicopter charter.

For more information about the Group visit http:// www.patriotaerospace.uk.com/

About Sir Peter Rigby
Sir Peter Rigby is a high profile business leader and one of the UK’s top entrepreneurs with an international outlook and experience of working on a European and global basis. He is a regional ambassador, vocal champion and a major employer in the Midlands and has his international business headquarters in Birmingham.

Knighted in the Queen’s Jubilee honours fo

Sir Peter Rigby's Aviation Group acquires Coventry Airport

Wed, 28 Apr 2010 17:33:17 GMT

The strategic acquisition will create a vibrant, commercial regional hub for General Aviation, including leisure, business and freight; with passenger flights amongst possible future plans, alongside creating more jobs.It dovetails with the Group's extensive national flight training, charter, sales and engineering operations. The deal firmly establishes Patriot's status as a leading and fast growing General Aviation specialist in the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland.

"I'm truly excited to be launching a new era in the long history of Coventry Airport. Not only is this acquisition the next logical step in the development of Patriot Aerospace as a leading General Aviation player, but it is also essential in supporting the local economy and future of the region. I am proud to play a part in ensuring the region has access to first class flying facilities, for many years to come," said Sir Peter Rigby.

A vocal champion for the region, Sir Peter early recognised Coventry Airport’s potential and synergies with his own businesses, and he has worked proactively with Coventry City Council, the airport’s tenants and customers to create this opportunity for a sustainable future.

Cllr Ken Taylor, Leader of Coventry City Council, said: "This is excellent news for Coventry and the sub region. We are an ambitious city with so many plans for growth and regeneration and having a successful airport is an integral part of those plans.

"The development of the airport will provide a massive economic boost across the city and the region. I'm delighted we have been able to work with Sir Peter Rigby’s Patriot Aerospace to secure the long term future of the airport.

"Sir Peter is a great champion for the Midlands and we are looking forward to working closely together over the coming years."

Sir Peter added: “Coventry Airport is located in the centre of the country and we’ll maintain a full air traffic service and capability to continue handling a wide range of GA traffic, including business jets, cargo, light aircraft and helicopters. I would like to think that in the future I can also bring in some scheduled flights. “The airport sector and aviation in general have had a difficult few years, however, I expect it will pick up in line with an overall economic recovery and the region will be better positioned to benefit from this with a well managed local airport,” Sir Peter added.

Most of the existing tenants, whose businesses have been under threat of closure since last December, can now look forward to a brighter future. “We will work hard to attract both flyers and suppliers to base themselves at Coventry, sustaining and creating new employment opportunities.” said Sir Peter.

The airport purchase is the third of a series of acquisitions made by Patriot in the past year. In July 2009, the group acquired Heliflight (UK) Limited, one of the UK’s foremost helicopter charter and flight training organisations, based at Gloucester and Wolverhampton. While December 2009 saw the acquisition of a long established helicopter charter and engineering specialist, London Helicopter Centres, based at Redhill, and Eniskillen, Northern Ireland. Patriot also holds the strategically important Cessna and Schweizer distributorships for the UK and Northern Ireland.

Sir Peter has a long track record of investing in the West Midlands region where he is a major employer and vocal champion. His international technology group, SCH plc has its headquarters and main campus in Birmingham while his luxury country hotel group, the Eden Collection, owns Mallory Court in Leamington Spa and is joint venturing with the Royal Shakespeare Company to re-open Stratford-Upon Avon’s Arden hotel, later this year.

ENDS

Notes

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