Cardiff Airport is delivering on the first phase of its Masterplan, with the announcement of a new flight handling operator.

Global Trek Aviation has chosen Cardiff Airport as the second location in the next phase of its expansion, with a dedicated facility set to open for business in April 2019. The company will make use of the Airport’s portfolio of facilities which are available 24/7, all year round.

The company will support Cardiff Airport’s ambitions to diversify its business by making further use of its products and services and attract new business, in the form of fuel-related transit flights.

The established Fixed Base Operator (FBO) which specialises in world-class aircraft handling, will be based on the south side of Cardiff Airport’s airfield and  provide a wealth of specialist air handling services from its new facility.

With a busy and successful operation already established at Belfast International Airport, Global Trek chose to invest in Wales as its second location in response to Cardiff Airport’s ambitious plans to grow and diversify the business, as laid out in its Masterplan.

Gordon Bingham, Chief Operating Officer of Global Trek Aviation, commented

“We’re delighted to be opening this all-new facility at Cardiff Airport. Its location is ideal for us in terms of our strategic plans and we see the tremendous potential of the site.

“We are investing in the creation of a bespoke, state-of-the-art facility on the south side of the Airport with a dedicated lounge, private offices, a crew briefing centre, flight operations facilities and an integrated security suite which will create new jobs.

“Recruiting team members early and training them to the highest standard with NATA Safety 1st certification, will ensure we are ready to prove a world-class service from day one that meets our standards of excellence.”

Spencer Birns, Commercial Director at Cardiff Airport, added:

“Global Trek’s announcement is really the first significant step taken in the development plans set out in our Masterplan.

“Our vision for success includes a clear strategy to diversify our air service activities and encourage use of our facilities all year round.

“A huge part of our focus for the next 20 years is to continue to explore innovative ways to diversify our business and create new business opportunities. Today’s announcement is a reflection of this ambition and is a great way to begin 2019.

“It’s fantastic to see that an established brand like Global Trek has recognised the great potential that exists at Cardiff Airport, and indeed in Wales.

“We very much look forward to the official opening of Global Trek’s brand new facility at Cardiff Airport in a few short months.”