Specialist charter broker Equinox Charter launches alongside TMC arm to offer 'one-stop shop' for travel needs

New private aircraft provider Equinox Charter began operations this week providing complete, global private aircraft chartering solutions with safety at the pinnacle of its offering.

Launching alongside its sister company Equinox Travel, a travel management company (TMC), the two start-ups enable clients to streamline their travel booking process through a rare ‘one-stop shop’ approach for all their travel needs.

Equinox Charter draws on extensive business aviation and music industry experience to offer a unique, highly consultative service - with a focus on the extensive music, touring and entertainment charter market, which is now seeing a strong resurgence.

Industry charter specialist Elliot Bottomley, Managing Director of Equinox Charter, says: “As we head into an exciting period with the return of shows and live events, we cannot wait to get started.

“Our new team is more than ready to manage complex itineraries for bands and solo artists, agents, tour managers and film production companies. Working with our sister company, Equinox Travel, allows us to support our clients with their commercial travel needs too.”

Having run ARGUS Certified charter broker Artist Charter in the past, Elliot is keen to ensure flight safety remains very high on the agenda for Equinox.

“As part of our commitment to safe air travel and a consistently high quality of service, due diligence will be paramount, and we’ll work only with a network of vetted operators and private aircraft worldwide.”

The new charter broker is now a proud member of both the European Business Aviation Association (EBAA) and the British Business and General Aviation Association (BBGA). These memberships are a sign of intent as to how the company hopes to integrate and expand within the business aviation sector.

Equinox CEO Ian Patterson says: “Equinox Charter is a unique entrant to business aviation - a solution-based start-up which aims to fill a clear gap in the market.

“Nowadays, travel is often fragmented, with many TMCs outsourcing aircraft charter to a third party. Through both Equinox companies, we are uniquely positioned to deliver a seamless and efficient service to clients with complex travel needs, by offering ultra-competitive pricing and greater flexibility on private aircraft booking, as well as commercial aviation booking, car hire, accommodation needs and more.

“We understand the demands and nuances of live touring and film production, from last-minute schedule changes to complex logistical challenges. This is why we’re committed to delivering the bespoke, personal, high-touch travel management solutions our clients not only demand, but also deserve.”

While music and entertainment are at the heart of its operations, Equinox’s senior experts also offer specialist travel support for professional sportspersons and sports agents, as well as facilitating corporate travel and arranging luxury leisure trips.

Unique in being able to offer Equinox clients commercial air travel options when required or necessary, Equinox Charter takes sustainability and environmental concerns seriously, and actively supports clients in making their own efforts in sustainable air travel.

The start-up has published its four-part commitment to sustainable charter, which includes carbon offsetting capabilities, encouraging the use of empty legs, making smarter aircraft and operator choices, as well as smaller, day-to-day measures.

In addition, both Equinox companies strive to accommodate clients’ existing sustainable travel policies - whether that be selecting air travel options with lower emissions, evaluating hotel choices based on sustainability factors, or facilitating VIP car transfers with electric vehicles.

Equinox benefits from the expertise of specialists including CEOs Ian Patterson and Glen Duckworth. The duo is renowned for steering ET Travel Ltd to become a leading TMC in the sector, and later holding joint Chief Operating Officer roles at global travel management company The Appointment Group (TAG).

BlueSky Business Aviation News | 4th November 2021 | Issue #628