Scheduled passengers flying with Varsity Express between London Oxford and Edinburgh Airports from march 1st will enjoy a very different and unique airline experience. The new UK operator has chosen to award its handling to Greer Aviation, a successful business aviation facility, situated adjacent to the main hub at Edinburgh Airport, so that its passengers can enjoy the similar ambience and VIP-style treatment that is afforded at Oxford Airport.

Being able to mirror the service levels at Oxford’s award-winning business aviation terminal, oxfordjet, means that Varsity becomes the first operator to offer a niche business shuttle service between two fixed base operations (FBOs) - usually the preserve of private jet passengers. This greatly enhances the airport experience for the passenger.

Passengers being dropped off at Edinburgh Airport can go directly to the Greer facility and relax with complimentary tea and coffee in their lounge. Those using public transport should make their way to the main terminal’s UK arrivals area and report to the Varsity Express desk. Here they will be escorted by mini bus to the Greer Aviation FBO – a two minute journey and await their flight.

“We are delighted to be supporting this new venture in what is a first for two UK business aviation facilities. Varsity’s 18-seat BAE Jetstream 31 is ideal to be handled in this way and passengers will benefit tremendously with 25-minute check in times and no waiting in security queues,” said Director Robert Greer.

Varsity Express is satisfied with the forward bookings to date. It selected Edinburgh because it was the number one requested destination from Oxford by business travellers, although it is seeing traffic from both business and leisure users. Martin Halstead, Director of the company, is also marking his return to airline management after his first venture Alpha One Airways in 2005, which flew for a short time between Edinburgh and the Isle of Man. Martin was just 19 years of age then. He will also fly for the company as a first officer.

“Varsity Express is a completely different proposition. A well funded operation, running on the Air Operator’s Certificate (AOC) of established Humberside-based Jetstream 31 LinksAir. This is a small, niche operator that is not setting out to compete with established larger players. Rather we hope to be able to work with them in the future,” he said.