News Release

2Excel Broadsword joins industry body Airlines UK

2Excel, an aviation services business founded by two Royal Air Force pilots, has become the latest airline to join Airlines UK, the association that represents UK-registered carriers.

Founded in 2005, 2Excel has grown from five people and four aerobatic aircraft to over 400 people and a fleet of 30. In 2018, 2Excel Aviation became 51 per cent employee owned through the creation of an Employee Ownership Trust.

With an annual turnover of more than GBP45 million, the rapid growth of the company's business lines and capabilities has enabled 2Excel to become an emerging force in the market. Everything is underpinned by the airline, which holds a global Air Operators Certificate.

With bases at Sywell Aerodrome, Stansted Airport, Doncaster-Sheffield Airport and Lasham Airfield, 2Excel's customers include government departments, the defence and oil industries, airlines and airline brokers.

Tim Alderslade, chief executive of Airlines UK said: “We are delighted to welcome such a British success story into the membership. 2Excel is an emerging force on the market with a fascinating and truly unique business model. We look forward to working with it.”

George Offer, director of 2Excel Aviation's charter division, Broadsword, said: “Airlines UK plays an important role in representing the interests of carriers based and operating from this country and we are delighted to be signed up as members. Aviation plays an important part in UK plc and is a key driver of economic growth and prosperity. We at 2Excel are proud to play our role in creating exciting, high-value jobs in the sector across our four sites.

“We can lay claim to be the world's only aerobatic airline, thanks to our heritage as The Blades display team. Today we also offer bespoke travel of unparalleled quality aboard our fleet of luxurious Boeing 737 and Beech King Air aircraft, with the flexibility to meet passengers' unique schedules being a point of pride for our business.”

Tim Procter, senior analyst, Broadsword, said:“It's not every day that a new British airline comes along. Lots have fallen by the wayside recently, so it's great an organisation with the deep pedigree of 2Excel Aviation is making its mark. And we aren't just filling a gap in the market; we've gone head-to-head with the incumbents and have won some big chunks of business.

“2Excel Broadsword has already had huge success in the charter market for sports teams and music events; the UK charter brokers and those in Europe have shown terrific support for our VIP Boeing 737 aircraft. Indeed, their loyalty has been tremendous, returning to us for several repeat flights for customers who love the product. Delivering what you promise has been key for us; the front-line aircrew have especially left a unique impression on the charterers.

“It's clear that the path is set fair for us to expand with new aircraft in exactly the same specialist VIP market in which we have been so effective.”