Air Partner flies ‘High’ to help James Blunt beat a world record

Tuesday 6th July, 2010

Air Partner played a key role in helping chart-topping musician James Blunt set a new world record for the highest airborne gig when he performed to a 150-strong audience on a privately chartered Boeing 767 at 42,000 feet above the North Sea.

Ian Browne, a Senior Analyst in the Commercial Jets division, secured the aircraft at just three weeks’ notice while Jeannette Hyttner, Senior Co-ordinator in the ServicePLUS department, was closely involved in tailoring the flight logistics. The Titan Airways B767 was rebranded externally, bespoke headrest covers were ordered, and some modifications were made to the interior to accommodate acoustic equipment.

Passengers on the one-and-a-half-hour circular flight out of London Stansted Airport last week (June 29) included a Guinness World Records adjudicator and competition winners. The adjudicator confirmed that the ‘gig in the sky’ broke the previous highest concert record, held by Norwegian performer Magnet, by 1,000 ft. James Blunt, who gained his Private Pilot’s Licence when he was 16, was supported by a backing guitarist and performed several of his famous songs, including appropriately named High. The 20-minute gig was later broadcast on Heart FM radio.

“Air Partner works closely with all sectors of the music industry and was delighted to have been involved in such a unique event”, said Ian and Jeannette, who escorted the flight to ensure all ground and in-flight arrangements ran smoothly. “It was a fantastic day for everyone involved.”

Photo credit(s) to Press Association (PA)
Caption: Singing High notes: James Blunt performs at 42,000 ft and gains a world record
Caption: Chart-topping musician James Blunt and the specially branded B767

About Air Partner

Air Partner is a world-class provider of aviation services to industry, commerce, governments and individuals worldwide. The company has earned global recognition as a leading aircraft charter broker and organises ad hoc charters of aircraft of every size for any reason. Its core divisions comprise Air Partner Commercial Jets, Air Partner Private Jets and Air Partner Freight. The Commercial Jets division charters airliners with 20 to 500 seats to move groups of every size. Air Partner Private Jets offers on-demand charter and the company’s unique pre-paid JetCard scheme. Air Partner Freight charters aircraft of every size to fly any cargo anywhere, at any time. With its headquarters in the UK, Air Partner has 20 offices spanning Europe, North America, the Far East and Middle East and operates a 24/7 year-round Flight Support Centre from its London Gatwick base. The Group was formed in 1961, is fully listed on the London Stock Exchange, is debt free and had £14.7m in cash at the end of the half year to 31 January. Air Partner is the only company in the aviation industry to hold a Royal Warrant (as Supplier of Aircraft Charter to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II), a globally recognised mark of excellence.

www.airpartner.com