above™ set to bolster UK and near Europe connectivity - Reintroducing the Embraer Phenom 100 light jet

Tuesday 18th November 2025

A new name in business air charter, Fly Above Group, trading as above™ is preparing to reprise on-demand air links all over the UK and near Europe with the industry’s best-selling light business jet. above™ has finalised the purchase of Bournemouth-based Alto Aerospace Ltd to secure its Class Type B Air Operator’s Certificate, upon which a new brand will be launched. Simultaneously, it has concluded the purchase of an Embraer Phenom 100 (MSN 50000132) from Germany.

Subject to UK Civil Aviation Authority licence approval, it will commence flights with the Phenom early next year, based out of Birmingham Airport. The aircraft offers a generous cabin with four seats in a 2x2 Club configuration. The Phenom will be based out of the XLR Executive Jet Services’ private terminal (FBO), operating as a floating aircraft.

Former Cello Aviation CCO

above™ has been conceived and shaped by Vince Essex, former CCO of Cello Aviation, which ran BAe 146 and B737’s on VIP charter flights from Birmingham between 2010 to 2018. Vince Essex has been running ground services and concierge businesses through his Arvin Group from the West Midlands airport since 2003. He has onboarded a stellar operations and commercial team at above™, which is backed by a blend of personal capital and investment from local business partners eager to see more entry level capacity on the G-register for domestic UK charter. Future partners - for MRO, planning and trip support, maintenance and ground handling will be announced in due course.

Fly above™ for modern achievers

above™ is targeting a varied client base, offering affordable jet charter fully transparent with fixed charter fees based solely on flying hour time, or part thereof. The Phenom 100 is optimised for routes lasting between 1 and 2.5 hours. Anticipated routes include UK domestic services and flights from the UK to destinations across Ireland, saving hours compared with long motorway journeys, as well as services to the Channel Islands and into near Europe.

“We’re looking forward to working with charter brokers, desperate for additional G-reg light jet capacity. We’ll provide general charter, ad hoc AOG support to UK airlines in and around the UK; short notice critical medical and organ transport, sporting trips and signature celebration escapes, said Vince Essex.

“We are positioning above™ to bridge the gap in 1 to 4 seat passenger travel for domestic UK and near Europe,” he added. Combining exceptional efficiency, comfort, and speed, the Phenom 100 is the perfect option to deliver a premium travel experience at affordable prices.

above™ will shortly announce its appointed leadership team, each contributing deep industry experience to develop its AOC, not only in this core market but also as a stepping stone to expand into aircraft management and larger capacity aircraft services into the future.

“I would like to thank the outgoing owners of Alto Aerospace for their commitment in making this deal possible, and to Arcus Aviation in Germany for their attentiveness on the sale of the Phenom 100,” said Vince Essex.

“above™ ushers in a fresh chapter in UK aviation, at a time when tried and trusted aircraft platforms are being embraced. “Our vision is to transform the future of personal flight for business and leisure travellers seeking a convenient, cost-effective, and bespoke jet charter and we can’t get wait to get started,” he concluded.