Delta Aviation becomes an airline!

Soar above the dreaming spires in an art-deco airliner

During the summer of 2006, Delta Aviation, the country’s specialists in recreating the golden age of flying, will offer the chance view the dreaming spires of Oxford from the stylish artdeco seats of a vintage Dragon Rapide biplane airliner.

The historic aeroplane will be based for the summer at Oxford’s Kidlington airport, just a short journey from the city centre. For both visitors and locals alike, the flight is the stuff of dreams, with elegant tapered wings framing views of famous landmarks including the Bodleian Library and the Oxford colleges as well as the River Thames and Blenheim Palace - one of the UK's finest stately homes.

“Oxford is without doubt one of Great Britain’s most beautiful and historic cities and to see it framed by the wings of a vintage biplane is a very special experience indeed” says Jon Stafford, Managing Director of Delta Aviation.

“We have been planning this for some time and we’re delighted that thanks to the assistance of Oxford Airport, we’ve been able to bring it to fruition. It will give visitors a totally new perspective of the city.”

Every one of the eight passengers in the art-deco cabin get an aisle and a window seat, giving a superb view along with a sense of how it was to travel the world in a 1930's airliner. A special introductory offer of just £99 for the 25-30 minute flight, or £189 for a couple, is a ticket to a unique time-warp experience. Places are already selling out fast, so an early call to Delta’s hotline 01604 492 222 is recommended.

The DH Dragon Rapide first flew on the 17th April 1934 from the de Havilland factory at Hatfield in Hertfordshire and such was the safety of its design that it became the first aircraft to carry a reigning British Monarch. Over 600 were used during war years as training and communications aircraft and in the 1940s these were used by scores of fledgling postwar airlines. Today though only a handful are still in flying condition.

Founded in 1993, Delta Aviation is effectively one of the world’s smallest airlines, best known for owning and operating the world’s largest fleet of Tiger Moth aircraft from twelve airfields around the UK. Flights in the open-cockpit biplane trainer give around 6,000 people each year an exciting taste of aviation history.

Most flights take place between April and October allowing customers to enjoy both the flight and the scenery in the best possible weather.

Delta Aviation Sees Red

UK’s leading flying experience specialist is awarded exclusive aviation contract by Red Letter Days

Cambridge, 12 December 2005: Delta Aviation, the UK’s leading and award winning flying experience specialist, today announced that it will provide Red Letter Days with its entire 2006 vintage and aerobatic aviation experiences. This exclusive arrangement demonstrates the commitment of both Delta Aviation and Red Letter Days to provide customers with top quality aviation gift experiences.

Delta Aviation is best known for owning and operating the world’s largest fleet of Tiger Moth aircraft. Delta Aviation also provides other flight experiences including aerobatics experiences, modern trainers and flights in warbirds. Red Letter Days is the UK’s top selling gift experience agency with high street, corporate and Internet presence.

Delta Aviation’s Commercial Director, helped to finalise the deal with Red Letter Days. “We are delighted to be able to be an exclusive provider for Red Letter Days’ main flying experiences. We have an outstanding offering in all areas of aviation as well as a wide ranging national presence operating from numerous UK airfields. Red Letter Days represent a key account and their commitment to us is a clear indication of their confidence in the service we provide.”

The arrangement will mean that over 90% of any flying experience that Red Letter Days promotes and sells will be fulfilled by Delta Aviation. From Tiger Moth flights to aerobatics experiences Delta Aviation will be able to provide customers with a once in a lifetime flying experience.

. “Delta Aviation is very much the perfect Red Letter Days Experience Partner,” said Andy Ling, Strategic Development Manager, Red Letter Days. “Delta Aviation offers a great range of flying experiences, at exceptional locations and I know that they will not disappoint when it comes to the ever increasing care and attention customers have come to demand”.

“We are very pleased to be able to make this announcement for the 2006 flying season. There are many agencies that customers can use but Red Letter Days remains the largest and we are the leading flight experience specialist so it is a partnership that will reap rewards for both of the companies and for customers,” added Delta Aviation.

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Delta Aviation Engineers Success

UK’s leading flying experience specialist establishes pioneering aircraft maintenance organisation.

Cambridge, 13 July 2005: Delta Aviation, the UK’s leading and award winning flying experience specialist, announced today it has established a pioneering aircraft maintenance organisation at Sywell Aerodrome, Northampton. Delta Aviation Engineering, is a centre of engineering excellence for vintage aircrafts, including the de Havilland Tiger Moth, and is headed-up by award winning restorer Ian Castle.

Delta Aviation owns and operates the world’s largest fleet of Tiger Moth aircraft which are maintained by Delta Aviation Engineering. In addition, the engineering facility is already undertaking long-term restoration projects and maintenance for a growing number of external customers.

. “Ian has been involved with Delta Aviation for many years,” said Delta Aviation. “We are thrilled to formalise Ian’s involvement with the company and to be able to offer his world-class services to the aviation industry.”

Ian Castle has completed over six complete restoration projects, earning him Best Owner Restored Aircraft (Woburn International Moth Rally), Personal Planes Trophy (PFA), Brunton Prize, Commendation Certification Best Vintage Aircraft (PFA) and The Flying Dutchess Trophy. “Ian’s experience speaks for itself,” added Delta Aviation. “Ian has already brought increased levels of serviceability to our own fleet through his dedication to authentic restoration and maintenance. Engineers with a proven track record are becoming scarce - we are committed to Delta Aviation Engineering providing a much needed service to vintage aviation.”

“Sywell’s central location is ideally suited for Delta Aviation’s engineering facility,” said Michael Bletsoe-Brown, Managing Director of Sywell Aerodrome. “Sywell has had a long association with de Havilland aircraft. Adding Delta Aviation Engineering as another centre of excellence at the aerodrome is a new and exciting chapter in our development.”

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Delta Aviation Spreads Its Wings Again

UK’s leading flying experience specialist announces the acquisition of The De Havilland School of Flying.

Cambridge, 11th May 2005: Delta Aviation, the UK’s leading and award winning flying experience specialist, today announced it has acquired The De Havilland School of Flying based at White Waltham. The acquisition secures the future of The De Havilland School of Flying at White Waltham and will enable G-ACDJ, The De Havilland School of Flying’s Tiger Moth, to be used by Delta’s operations at other airfields.

Since 2001 The De Havilland School of Flying has successfully operated from White Waltham where they have had a close relationships with Delta. The acquisition will see a continuation of the existing De Havilland School of Flying operation at White Waltham which will operate as per the status quo. However, behind the scenes, Delta will take on its management and integrate back office operations with Delta’s existing systems.

'The De Havilland School of Flying has built a great operation at White Waltham in wonderful surroundings' said Bob Gibson, Managing Director of The De Havilland School of Flying. “Delta Aviation has the relevant skills and track record to continue that success whilst giving more access to the public at other airfields to G-ACDJ, the oldest original Tiger Moth still flying in the UK.”

'We are excited to bring the De Havilland School of Flying into our business, bringing with it a fantastic additional Tiger Moth aircraft for our fleet,' said Commercial Director for Delta Aviation. “We now have the opportunity to nuture and develop further The De Havilland School of Flying brand and continue to provide access to a Tiger Moth at White Waltham.”

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Delta Aviation Spreads Its Wings

UK’s leading flying experience specialist announces the acquisition of Avia Special’s vintage aircraft assets

Cambridge, 22 March 2005: Delta Aviation, the UK’s leading and award winning flying experience specialist, today announced it has acquired assets of Avia Special’s vintage aircraft business. The acquisition enables flights to operate from three new airfields and brings national coverage and increased capacity for Delta Aviation.

Since 1995 Avia Special has successfully operated from Leicester, Manchester and Sheffield (Netherthorpe) airfields. These prime locations are of strategic importance and offer convenient access for Delta Aviation and their customers. The acquisition will also see the amalgamation of Delta Aviation and Avia Special’s airfield operations at Redhill (Surrey) and Stapleford (Essex). Also as part of the acquisition, Delta Aviation will be upgrading facilities at a number of their airfield locations.

'Avia Special opened up the vintage air experience market in the North of England,' said James Black, Managing Director of Avia Special Limited. 'Delta Aviation has the relevant skills and track record to build on Avia Special’s success in this market – I am delighted'. Black’s company, Avia Special, will continue to develop its other business activities in the aviation industry.

'Providing more choice and memorable experiences to our customers is key at Delta Aviation,' said Delta Aviation. 'Offering three new airfields in addition to the six we already operate from provides a truly national offering. Integration at the new airfields is complete and we are already taking bookings. We pride ourselves on being able to go the extra mile for our clients and to be able to tailor our flying experiences to their exact needs. This acquisition helps us to do this better.'

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