Quick Links The acquisition of Boeing aircraft Business model and operations Financial challenges and decline Wrapping it up Cello Aviation was founded in 2010, emerging from the rebranding of Altavia Jet Services, a company initially established as Gill Airways Limited. Its base at Birmingham Airport positioned it strategically within the UK’s aviation sector. According to ch-aviation , Cello began its operations with a BAe 146-200 (G-RAJJ), configured in an exclusive 46-seat all-business class layout.
This aircraft became the airline’s hallmark, targeting high-end clients, such as sports teams, business executives, and even Queen Elizabeth II , who flew with the airline during a historic trip to Dublin in 2011—a significant event as it marked the first state visit by a British monarch to Ireland in over 100 years. To expand its capacity, Cello added a BAe Avro RJ85 in 2013, which was configured with 82 seats, allowing it to handle larger groups. This expansion helped the airline further solidify its presence in the VIP charter sector, while also exploring sub-charter and ACMI (Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance, and Insurance) opportunities.
With crew shortages in the long-term forecast, wet leasing will undoubtedly be a popular solution. The acquisition of Boeing aircraft A significant milestone in Cello’s operations came in 2015 with the acquisition of a Boeing 737-400. This addition marked a shift in the airline’s capability, offering 165 seats in a flexible .