Wijet shuts down UK operation and plots expansion in mainland Europe
"There was too much uncertainty around operating in Europe with a UK AOC," says Azoulay. "EASA [the European Aviation Safety Agency] recently noted that the UK may be not be accepted as a member if it were to implement Brexit, setting a deadline of March 2019. Given that 90% of our business is in mainland Europe, it's a risk we cannot afford to take," he says.Wijet is moving its fleet to a new, and as yet undisclosed registry, and has partnered with an established charter company on the continent to operate the aircraft on its behalf. "We’re no longer interested in having our own AOC as it gives us no competitive advantage," says Azoulay.
The company is now adopting what calls a "modular approach" to business, where it will "buy in" services, such as maintenance and operations. "With competition in the charter market increasing, we have to adjust, and stick with what we are good add – sales, marketing and customer service," says Azoulay