Above Launches Private Charter Operations Out of Birmingham Airport Executing Fixed Price Flights to European Cities with Embraer Phenom Jet

Private aviation operator Above has commenced commercial flight services from its new base at Birmingham Airport's XLR Executive Jet Centre. Operating under UK Civil Aviation Authority approval, the carrier is introducing fixed-price short-haul routes to Europe using an Embraer Phenom 100 light jet.

The Core Transit Update

Private charter company Above has expanded its presence in the United Kingdom aviation market, launching scheduled and on-demand flight operations out of Birmingham Airport (BHX). The carrier has secured its Air Operator Certificate (AOC) number GB2461 from the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) following safety, engineering, and pilot certifications. Operations began with a single Embraer Phenom 100 twin-engine light jet registered under the tail number G-FABV.

Above is basing its flight operations at Birmingham Airport's dedicated XLR Executive Jet Centre. The business model combines traditional customized charter quotes with fixed-price city-pair flight routes. This structure is designed to offer corporate and premium leisure travelers clear price transparency, bypassing standard charter bidding processes. The operator has also listed its aircraft availability on the Avinode charter platform to support booking access for international aviation brokers.

Above Private Jet Routes and Aircraft Specifications

The initial route network, aircraft features, operational base details, and safety parameters for the private flight service are outlined in the table below:

Operational Parameter	Fleet & Route Metric	Technical Details & Destinational Coverage	Primary Flight Standards
Launch Aircraft Model	Embraer Phenom 100	Registered as G-FABV; 4-passenger light jet capacity	UK CAA certified for commercial operations
Primary Base Facility	Birmingham Airport (BHX)	XLR Executive Jet Centre FBO terminal base	Dedicated private check-in and lounge access
AOC Certification	GB2461	Air Operator Certificate granted by the UK CAA	Licensed for scheduled public charter flights
Initial Fixed-Price UK Routes	Belfast, Edinburgh, Glasgow	Direct short-haul flights from Birmingham	Optimized for corporate travel & day connections
Initial Fixed-Price EU Routes	Paris, Nice, Geneva, Zurich, Brussels	Custom short-haul links bypassing major hubs	Bypasses Schengen terminal queues
Second Aircraft Target	Embraer Phenom 100	Fleet expansion phase under active evaluation	Sourced for regional backup and feeder services

Traveler Logistics Guide (Information Gain)

Private Terminal Check-in and FBO Arrivals:
- FBO Processing: Flights operated by Above depart from the XLR Executive Jet Centre (a Fixed-Base Operator, or FBO), not the main passenger terminals at Birmingham Airport. Passengers should arrive at the FBO terminal at least 15 to 20 minutes before their scheduled departure time. FBO amenities include private security screening, customs clearance, and lounge facilities.
UK and EU Customs and Immigration Procedures:
- General Aviation Reports (GAR): Traveling on private flights between the UK and European Schengen Area destinations requires customs and passport clearance. Passengers must submit a General Aviation Report (GAR) at least 2 hours prior to departure, which is managed directly by Above's flight support team. Ensure your passport remains valid for at least 3 months past your planned EU departure date.
Connecting to Commercial Flights at Birmingham Airport:
- Transfer Buffers: If you are using Above's charter services to connect to long-haul commercial flights departing from Birmingham Airport, allow a transfer buffer of at least 2 hours. You must retrieve your baggage at the FBO facility and transit to the main terminal building to complete commercial check-in and check your luggage.

Infrastructure Impact Assessment

The establishment of private aviation bases at regional airports like Birmingham helps relieve air traffic pressure at major London terminals such as Heathrow and Gatwick. By offering direct fixed-price routes to European destinations like Geneva, Paris, and Nice, the service provides regional business hubs with direct links that bypass congested airspace corridors.

Furthermore, using light aircraft like the Embraer Phenom 100 provides an efficient option for short-haul regional flights. The light jet configuration offers lower fuel burn rates compared to mid-size or heavy business jets, aligning with efforts to optimize regional operations. As the operator scales its fleet, the expanded connectivity is expected to support business travel and high-value tourism links between the West Midlands and mainland Europe.