Isle of Man private jet centre set to be repositioned as regional sustainable aviation hub

Work has commenced in earnest at the only dedicated private jet terminal at Ronaldsway Airport, Isle of Man, as a private group embarks on plans to modernise and expand the FBO facility - originally built in 2015 - to bring it in line with some of the world’s leading FBO’s.

Megacorp Aviation Ltd, which also owns business aircraft for charter, and with bases at Douglas, Isle of Man and London Biggin Hill Airport, is bringing in a dedicated aviation team to realise plans to create an aviation technology park there. This will double the existing Jet Centre hangar space from 20,000 square feet to 40,000 square feet and create up to 20 further jobs for the Isle of Man.

The new flagship private terminal will include new offices and an enhanced business centre which is being developed alongside a 10-bedroom boutique hotel for passengers and crew. Passengers will additionally have access to a dedicated concierge service.

The enhanced Private Jet Centre will include a host of sustainable features, including the ability to calculate and offset carbon emissions (with a proprietary carbon calculator); access to Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) and recycled apparel for all employees at the Jet Centre, as well as crew.

Aviation traffic in The Isle of Man is expected to increase exponentially in the next two years.

The Island is regularly used by the film industry which relies upon on-demand aviation. The private terminal is ideally positioned in the south of the island at Ronaldsway, six miles from Douglas, providing rapid access to key destinations and events.

Substantial investment in The Private Jet Centre to modernise and expand the existing FBO facility with a sustainable focus.

Harry Ackerman, CEO of Megacorp Aviation said: “The Isle of Man has long been underserved for private aviation. We are confident that the investment we are making into the Private Jet Centre and other aviation facilities at the airport will stimulate further economic growth for the Island and attract more traffic, as well as supporting aircraft coming on to the highly popular Isle of Man Aircraft Registry."

Captain Tony Corlett, Chairman of the Private Jet Company, which originally built the FBO ten years ago said: “We are delighted to be working with the Island’s general aviation community, alongside Megacorp, to ensure a best-in-class service is always rendered to our customers.”

Hannah Lo Bao, Commercial Manager of Ronaldsway Airport enthusiastically added: “We are thrilled by the potential advancements within the private aviation sector at Ronaldsway Airport and are eagerly anticipating its growth.”

Megacorp Aviation Ltd., headquartered at Fort Anne, Douglas, Isle of Man, has global locations at Canary Wharf London, Dubai World Trade Centre and Mumbai, India, with airport locations at Ronaldsway Airport, Isle of Man; London’s Biggin Hill Airport; Al Maktoum International Airport, Dubai and Juhu Aerodrome in Mumbai.

Branded as OPUL Jets, the company has an existing fleet of aircraft comprising a Bombardier Global Express XRS; Bombardier Learjet 40 and Learjet 45 business jets. Additional acquisitions will be confirmed over the forthcoming months, with further expansion into the Middle East and Asia also planned.

OPUL's aircraft are type-rated for London City Airport, positioning the company to meet the anticipated demand and provide business travellers with unparalleled access to the heart of London’s Financial Centre.

BlueSky Business Aviation News | 11th April 2024 | Issue #743