Netjets move at LTN
 

I understand that Netjets will move from Signature to Harrods Aviation at Luton soon. Any idea what prompted the move from a handling agent, part of a global network, to the smaller competitor? Maybe Harrods need some planes to fill up their new ramp area and hangar?

I just find it strange when you consider how Signature have been growing in the UK, taking over Execair and also recently, one of the executive handling agents at Heathrow, that they seem to be letting go of what must be big contracts. Would have thought that companies like Netjets would be good customers for them.

Sounds like a great loss for Signature if it is true!

If this is happening then I hope that the gals and guys at Harrods do not do what most other places that handle Netjets Europe has started to do: lowering their service level for other (smaller) customers and treating them like they are not needed any more as they (the FBO) now have a contract with Netjets. It may not last forever you know…

To date the friendly people at Harrods have been providing a great and reliable service and I trust they will keep it up. I very much enjoy going there!

Cheers,

Will :)

I understand that Netjets Europe will move to Harrods but Netjets (US) & Netjets (Middle East) will remain with Signature.

Fried Chicken

I too have heard that Netjets are moving from Signature, but haven't heard anything about it just being the Europe division. Seems HA are investing heavily in Luton!

Not at all sure of the Politics but it's worth bearing in mind that Signature are purely a Handling Agent and since selling off the maintenance side to Gulfstream they have no in house Maintenance Support.
Gulfstream, rightly or wrongly, are not encouraging in their support of the Netjet Hawkers and Falcons and may have lost the capability to provide warranty work on the aircraft. Harrods at least could provide maintenance support and have in the past (as Field Aircraft and Metro) been a Service Centrte for Hawkers.

Interesting though!

Mike Echo

Slightly drifting off topic, is RAF Northolt the UK "HQ" for Netjets Europe? I regulary see NJE flights operating from here outside of published opening hours (for non-military flights) & the only way to 'get around' these opening times is if they were based at Northolt.

I've also noticed that London City have had a larhe increase in NJE flights since the 125 was approved for City ops.

Back on topic, Falcon 2000EX CSDFF used Harrods when it passed through Luton a few weeks back on delivery to NJE

Fried Chicken

I believe NJE do use RAF Northolt as some sort of base, and have engineers (Netjets Technical Services) based there, who see to any problems which may occur to NJE aircraft arriving into London airports.

The reason for Netjets being able to operate outside normal hours is bacause they are based there. This is due to the fact that they pulled a classic move of buying a hanger off a large Television group that used to have a 125 there. Great move Lisbon now no UK operators can get slots in a UK Air Force base due to a Portugese operator taking them all!!

I watched a Netjets (US) Gulf 4 taxy off the Harrods ramp at Luton this morning so it looks like they've moved across from Signature to Harrods.

As regards to Northolt, how many slots per year are available to Civilian traffic. I know there is an unlimited amount available to military (UK & foreign).

Fried Chicken

I believe Northolt civvy slots are either 7000 or 7500 per annum, springs to mind

2 signs attached to lampposts are now directing Netjets Europe to Harrods

Going back to a previous post, it does indeed seem that Harrods Aviation Luton are handling Netjets Europe, Middle East and USA... for now! ;) Harrods (currently) look after Netjets at all of their three bases.

NetJets USA
 

From a reliable source - NetJets USA are now back at Signature.

Netjets USA - back at Signature LTN?
 

Oh - if they have gone back to Signature, that arrangment didn't last long! :E

Any ideas what prompted the change back?

A quick pass of Luton recently saw Netjets US aircraft parked at both Harrods & Signature. (although they may have been visiting Gulfstream rather than Sigs)

Fried Chicken