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Why set up a new aviation company during COVID?

GearUp TV's Liz Moscrop talks to Paul Forster, CEO of newly-formed Concorde Airport Security.

Concorde Airport Security is a brand new name in the industry, supporting FBOs and airports.

It came to fruition in the teeth of the pandemic, when a former supplier at London Stansted Airport decided to exit the sector. “Where there is crisis there is opportunity,” said newly installed Managing Director-Europe Paul Forster, formerly with XJet at Stansted’s Diamond Hangar and Landmark Aviation FBO’s and armed with an extensive network of contacts.

He swiftly gathered up the 20-strong expert team, who were on the verge of losing their jobs. Together with Operations Director, Maryann Turvey, they set about applying for and securing a new licence. They received letters of endorsement from each of the five FBOs - Inflite The Jet Centre, Harrods Aviation, Universal, XJet and Fayair, enabling them to get up and running in just eight days.

“We worked very hard and with support from Stansted Airport were able to get all the existing team’s passes duly updated and moved over to CAS,” says Paul. To date CAS has handled 30 business aviation flights – repatriation, medevac and a cargo flight for a cargo operator at Stansted. Its security officers have expertise in airport screening, personal aircraft guarding and searching; meet and greet and they will will shortly be offering cargo / freight screening officers.

The business is looking to the future post COVID-19, with plans to widen its offering to sniffer dogs and drone security. "We have taken a decision to add an additional 10 people under contract, so will be well resourced for commercial operators too," says Paul. Being well funded they are able to respond quickly and upscale to meet any appropriate requirements, both at home and abroad.

BlueSky Business Aviation News | 14th May 2020 | Issue #557

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