Story ID: 
UK Start-up Above Launches Phenom Charter Services
By: Charles Alcock
Caption: Birmingham-based operator has acquired Alto Aerospace's AOC
Word Count: 210
UK start-up Fly Above Group is preparing to launch private charter services with an Embraer Phenom 100 light jet. The company, which will trade under the brand Above, will base the aircraft at the XLR Executive Jet Services FBO at Birmingham International Airport (EGBB). The Phenom, previously owned by an operator based in Germany, has club-four seating in the cabin.
Above will operate under the air operator certificate it has acquired with the purchase of Bournemouth-based Alto Aerospace. Alto operates a managed fleet including Beechcraft King Air 200, Cessna 421 Golden Eagle, and Diamond DA-42 models that it uses for private charter flights and special missions.
Subject to approval from the UK Civil Aviation Authority, Above aims to start flying the Phenom in early 2026. The company said the Phenom is optimal for flights of up to 2.5 hours.
The company has financial backing from its founder, Vince Essex, and local business partners eager to introduce more entry-level-jet charter capacity to the UK’s G-register. Essex formerly was the chief commercial operator at Cello Aviation, which operated BAe 146s and Boeing 737s for charter services out of EGBB between 2010 and 2018. He also has experience running aircraft ground support and concierge services through his Arvin Group venture.