One Air has taken off as the newest British all-cargo airline aimed to support demand for freighter services.
The new cargo carrier — which has been awarded its Air Operators' Certificate by the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) — will be operating Boeing 747-400 freighters.
"After successfully completing its proving flight in July 2022 and following a rigorous application process for an Operating Licence, the new airline is now fully approved to commence operations," the announcement said.
One Air expects initial demand for flights from the UK to Europe, the Middle East and Asia regions. It will also ultimately offer freighter services to China and the US.
The new British cargo carrier has dry leased its first B-747 freighter and is now the only UK operator of the B-747. It will eventually add a second B747-400 in 2023.
One Air will be headquartered in Kingston, close to London Heathrow and has a team of 90 air cargo and aviation professionals for its launch.
Another Boeing 747F by the end 2023
"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 Paul Bennett, One Air chief executive, who also owns the majority of the airline.
"We are proud to be meeting this need and to have the opportunity to leverage longstanding business relationships with freight forwarders, logistics providers, and charter brokers serving the UK market."
Bennett noted that One Air is looking to add its second 747F later this year — and said that the carrier "has the financial resources to grow in line with the level of demand we see."
"The airline will review its fleet plans, including the potential for other aircraft types, later in the year," the chief executive added.
The announcement said Chris Hope has joined the Board of One Air as a chief operating officer and accountable manager, bringing 35 years of previous experience with the forerunners to TUI as well as easyJet and Flybe.
He was the former chief operating officer at Flybe before joining One Air.
"I am delighted to have been given this opportunity to join the leadership team behind this exciting new venture. One Air has a forward-thinking and customer-centric approach and we will use our entrepreneurial spirit and resources to grow sustainably," Hope said.
"Over the past two years, the cargo market in the UK has clearly shown resilience in the face of unprecedented disruption to the aviation industry. Now the industry is entering a new phase of recovery and growth and we look forward to being at the heart of this," he added.
One Air has appointed Air One Aviation as its first Global Sales Agency, while Dnata will act as the airline's handling agent in London Heathrow.
One Air has also partnered with ESP to provide software and helpdesk support, Leon for its crew training and rostering, CHAMP for its weight and balance system, and PPS for flight planning.
