Saxon Air offers safe, efficient, and competitively priced services, but what sets us apart is our approach to business. We prioritize building relationships over transactions, delivering discreet and efficient services with a polite, friendly, and straightforward manner. We understand the value of treating each customer as an individual, not just as a client seeking excellence.
Innovating, Navigating, Elevating.
Our mission is to inspire 50,000 people each year to enjoy more time to live and, work through the use of our aviation services.
To deliver excellence to our customers in everything we do, delivering safe, sustainable and efficient aviation solutions, locally, globally.
To challenge perceptions of Business Aviation, we must start by challenging ourselves. Our values are at the core of what we stand for, what we offer to our staff, our customers, the world…
On 5 April 2007, Saxon Air started trading from a small office in the back of a hangar at Norwich International Airport, with entrepreneur co-founders Christopher Mace and James Palmer, and was overseen by chairman and associated co-founded Graeme Kalbraier. Saxon Air’s primary role was to operate Kalbraier’s own aircraft for company use, and when not being used by him or his staff, to offer his aircraft out to the air charter market for ad hoc, bespoke, private air charter.
On 11 July 2008, Saxon Air gained acceptance for its own Air Operator’s Certificate/AOC. On the same date, Saxon Air Charter Limited attained its United Kingdom Civil Aviation Authority Type B Operating Licence, permitting it to carry passengers, cargo and mail on aircraft with 19 seats or less.
Once the AOC had been issued Saxon Air agreed a management contract on a second aircraft, this time based at Nottingham East Midlands Airport. This aircraft is no longer operated by Saxon Air having been withdrawn from its operations in June 2009.
Saxon Air had been negotiating since its formation to build a dedicated Business Aviation Centre, which it looked to have secured investment for. However, following the downturn and subsequent recession, the investment was no longer available as planned.
The investment was found, however, through the sale of the company on the 15 May 2009 to Mr Roger Klyne. Mr Klyne purchased the company from the founders with former shareholders Christopher Mace becoming managing director and James Palmer the Commercial Manager.
When Mr Klyne bought Saxon Air he transferred the operation of two aircraft owned by Klyne Aviation, a Hawker 400XP and a Citation Mustang. A Beechcraft King Air 350 on order by Klyne Aviation for June 2009, delivery was also to be operated by Saxon Air.
In spring 2010 Saxon Air opened a £6m Business Aviation Centre at Norwich International Airport, which is capable of handling aircraft as large as the Gulfstream and the Global Express. This state-of-the-art facility, known as the Klyne Business Aviation Centre, includes modern offices, passenger lounges, and dedicated hangar space. It also serves as a base for Saxon Air’s charter fleet and ground-handling operations.
Saxon Air become one of the first UK private charter operators to fly the Hawker 400XP which the company announced to industry on 3 August 2010.
In July 2011, Saxon Air announced that it had based one of its aircraft, a Citation Mustang, at Thessaloniki Airport in Greece, in partnership with Catreus Ltd.
In April 2012, as part of the company’s drive to become part of the local business community, Saxon Air joined the Norfolk Chambers of Commerce.
Saxon Air Flight Support Ltd established its first offshore handling contract by securing the Shell UK contact. This meant the implementation of its bespoke offshore handling facilities and the expansion of its flight support team from 4 to 16 staff. The Shell UK contract brought with it some 22 flights per day, 7 days a week, and represented a huge growth in its day-to-day operations.
In 2013, Saxon Air Flight Support signed as preferred handling agent for all general aviation visiting Norwich, and was the start of an ongoing partnership with Norwich Airport.
“ Our ambition is to share the unique opportunities and experiences that aviation can offer, offering a range of services to make this as widely available as possible. ”
Alex Durand
Chief Executive Officer
“ What I love about working at Saxon Air is the open, inclusive approach to building our team, as far as possible removing barriers to entry into the exciting world of business aviation. People truly are at the heart of our business! ”
Tracey Umfreville
HR Director
“ My role as Group Operations Director is a critical leadership position within the Klyne Group, I’m responsible for overseeing and optimizing the day-to-day operations across multiple departments and business units. ”
John Dewing
Operations Director
“ I’m excited to bring an innovation perspective to Saxon Air’s plans and processes, ensuring that we remain at the forefront of transformative change within the industry. Together, we’re working to shape a more sustainable and innovative future for aviation ”
Tim Bridge
Technical and Innovation Director
Nicholas Goodwin
Finance Director
“ I’m thrilled to join the dynamic Saxon Air team. The opportunities within our department are incredible for people of all ages and backgrounds. It’s truly rewarding to be involved in developing career pathways and helping guide people into this exciting industry ”
Neil Turnbull
Head of Training and Development
“ Working within Finance at Saxon Air provides variety and scope to broaden skill sets in a fast paced and technical environment, all whilst being part of a supportive and innovative culture. ”
Lily Pomfret
Financial Controller
“ At Saxon Air, no two days are the same, and that dynamic, high-energy environment is a perfect fit for me. Together, we work in sync to deliver the best possible service, and there’s a real sense of camaraderie in knowing that we’re all working towards the same goal ”
Jordan Smith
Head of Rotary, Ground Operations, Sales and Client Relations
“ Saxon Air has given me opportunities that I never thought were possible. They hand you the tools to succeed in your current job role and will look to give you opportunities for career progression ”
Josh Moy
Flight Support Manager
“ At Saxon Air, our Sustainability team is at the forefront of driving our commitment to environmental responsibility. Driving our company journey to NetZero by 2030 which is ahead of the Aviation Industry’s NetZero target of 2050 ”
Rebekah Hill
Sustainability Manager
“ I love working at Saxon Air because of the family ethos of the company, you really get the feeling we are all pulling in the same direction, striving to represent what our founder Roger believed were the important values for an organisation to follow and adhere to ”
Oliver Smith
Head of Sales and Business Development
Tim Kingsley
Head of Rotary Flight Operations
“ What truly sets this role apart is the incredible team at Saxon Air. I love working here because of the exceptional individuals I’m surrounded by daily. The collaborative spirit, innovative mindset, and commitment to excellence make every day exciting and rewarding. ”
Letty Dell’Aquila
Communications and Partnerships Manager
“ What I love most about working at Saxon Air is the collaborative environment and the shared commitment to excellence, that’s why I have been with the company for 17 years since it’s conception in 2007. Being part of a team that values innovation, safety, and customer satisfaction makes every day rewarding ”
Jason Garwood
Head of Flight Operations & Training
Kay Boyden
Flight Instructor
“ The staff are very welcoming and the community work undertaken is above any other company I have worked for. When someone says a company is more like a family than a job, Saxon Air would be at the top of the list with that. ”
Ric Lawson
Head of Ground Operations (Fixed Wing)
“ Saxon Air really embraces looking at things slightly differently, and the opportunity to challenge norms and the status quo to deliver safety and compliance which doesn’t just ‘tick a box’ but truly works to engage hearts and minds in the message and function! ”
Luke Frost
Safety and Compliance Monitoring Manager
“ Saxon Air is a great place to work. Saxon Air offers diversity within its structure, opportunities to advance your career and many other ways to inspire their staff to become the best person they can be ”
Paul Garner
Continuing Airworthiness Manager
“ The target for the Klyne Business Aviation Centre (BAC) is to maximize the potential of every facet/aspect of the building, providing exceptional service and support across all the areas we operate in ”
John Freeman
Facilities Manager
Oliver Smith
Business Development Managed Aircraft
“ The best part about working at Saxon Air is being part of a company where individuals can truly make a difference, all within a close-knit, family-oriented culture. Our involvement in the aviation industry is extensive and diverse, encompassing jet and helicopter operations, sustainability initiatives, flight training, CAMO and FBO services; with such a wide array of departments, there’s an incredible wealth of knowledge and experience to learn from. ”
Miles Riches
Deputy Head of Rotary Ground Operations & Sales
Cameron Saunders
Sustainability Officer
Brian Timmons
C.A.M.O Planning and Support Manager
“ Being a part of this team has given me experiences and knowledge that I will cherish forever. I feel incredibly honoured to be able to represent Saxon Air, and look forward to continuing to do so for years to come ”
Jordan Simpson
Deputy Head of Ground Operations, FW & Security Manager
Saxon Air offers safe, efficient, and competitively priced services, but what sets us apart is our approach to business. We prioritize building relationships over transactions, delivering discreet and efficient services with a polite, friendly, and straightforward manner. We understand the value of treating each customer as an individual, not just as a client seeking excellence.
