Interflight was founded in May 1974, originally trading as Berrad Aviation. It's first aircraft was a Cessna 205 G-ASOX. Initial flying was restricted to pleasure flights but expansion into multi engined aircraft came shortly with the arrival of a Piper Aztec. Continued expansion of the company led to the purchase of our first Piper Chieftain. This was soon followed by more of the type including G-BGOX and G-BGOY. Much of the flying at this time involved charters to European destinations, urgent spare parts for Airlines, the oil and gas industry and automotive components. On the 10th September 1985 Berrad Aviation changed it's name to Interflight (Air Charter) Ltd and the sequence of "IFT" registrations started with a PA31 Chieftain G-IFTA. During the mid eighties contracts were held for operating services on behalf of third level carriers such as Air Ecosse and Fairflight.
With the continuing demand for charter capacity it was decided to add the Cessna Titan to the company. This 12 seat piston powered aircraft had great versatility, able to carry both passengers and freight they were often seen delivering automotive components as well as passengers on day trips to the near continent. The Titans were also able to carry stretchers and made many trips throughout Europe on ambulance missions. Titans operated by Interflight included G-IFTD and G-BHNI. "NI" continues in service to day as G-KIWI with Aviation Beauport based in Jersey.
1988 saw a major change in the company with the delivery of our first jet aircraft, a Learjet 35a G-CJET. With this aircraft the company's Area of operations was expanded and a world wide United Kingdom Air Operators Certificate was duly issued. The Learjet made many long range flights including the United States and Canada, Southern Africa and India. During the "velvet" revolutions of eastern Europe our Learjet was often first on the scene following the fall of one communist government or other, delivering the news teams to report the latest developments. The Air Ambulance flying increased substantially with regular destinations such as the Canaries, Cyprus, Malta and Egypt. Business flights to the former Soviet Union also increased with the change of the Soviet Government to a democratic system.
In late 1989 the then current executive aircraft handler at Gatwick gave notice to quit operations in the handling field. In order to protect our core business of operating charter aircraft, Interflight took on the responsibility of operating the General Aviation Terminal at London-Gatwick. Within a short space of time we had built up a reputation for efficient handling with a relaxed style, drawing on our experience as an operator giving us an insight into what the customer requires. In 1990 the General Aviation Terminal moved from the north side of the airport to its present location near the South terminal. From here we continue to provide services to all business aircraft from piston singles through to Boeing 747 and Airbus 340.
In the early 1990's it was
decided within the company to transition to an all turbine fleet, which led to
the sale of the piston aircraft. In their place the first of our Hawker
aircraft, HS125-600 G-FFLT, entered service in 1990. This gave us a step up into
the mid sized business jet class. The -600 model was ideal for operating around
Europe on corporate business trips, however the -600 lacked the range needed to
undertake the African and Middle Eastern ambulance missions, that had become the
hallmark of Interflight's Learjet operations.
In 1992 Interflight purchased a Beech Kingair 200, unique on the British charter market, having a cargo door and Raisbeck IV modifications. Registered G-IFTB, the aircraft could often be seen at airports all over Europe mainly on air ambulance duties or hauling various consignments of freight. Its longest trip was in December 1993 when a flight to Manila in the Philippines was undertaken. The Beech was an excellent replacement for the Titans which preceded it, however a continued move to an all jet fleet saw the departure of the Kingair.
The -600 Hawker was replaced
in 1995 by our current HS125-700, G-IFTE. It is usually engaged in passenger
flying duties, but benefits from a quick change interior and can operate equipped with
two stretchers or in various other configurations for freight. In 2001 an 8 seater Citation II , G-RDBS was added to our fleet,
giving us capability to operate in and out of London City. This made way in 2002
for our HS125-800, G-IFTF (G-RCEJ prior to it's major re-fit in January 2008).
Since its inception in May 1974 Interflight has always adopted a policy of safety allied to practicality. Our aircraft have always been selected with an eye to reliability and versatility, to better enable us to get the job done on time and safely.