The aircraft seats 62 VIP customers with a range of 5,200 miles, and previously flew clients such as Liverpool FC and Lady Gaga.
Global aviation services group ACC Aviation is partnering with Perigean Aviation to become the exclusive sales and marketing agent for one of Boeing's most popular jets. The Boeing 757 will be operated by Freedom II and is configured with 62 VIP seats to fly passengers and luggage on trips of up to 5,200 miles.
The aircraft in question, a Boeing 757-200, is registered in Bermuda (VP-BBE) and will be available to clients worldwide beginning in mid-July of this year. The jet previously carried the likes of Liverpool FC, the US Women's National Soccer Team, and Lady Gaga. Phil Mathews, CEO of ACC Aviation, expressed his excitement about the new undertaking:
“Taking on this aircraft is a great opportunity for our expanding team of aviation professionals across our business. The charter industry is experiencing incredibly high levels of demand for both private jets and larger commercial airliners, and this aircraft has historically serviced clients in both markets.
"ACC Aviation has a truly global network of partners built up over 20 years, and we are excited to be bringing this unique aircraft to the charter market”.
If you're wondering about the airframe, it was originally delivered to ATA Airlines (American TransAir) in September 1999. The 22-year-old plane also spent time with Air Bashkortostan in Russia, before commencing its VIP life in 2008 with Greek operator GainJet Aviation. It was registered with its current owner in December 2021.
The Boeing 757 is a solid workhorse for the likes of Delta Air Lines and Icelandair and features an impressive range, cargo capacity, cruising speed, and cabin living area. This 62-seat configuration allows larger groups and those with heavy equipment the convenience of a private charter on a commercial jetliner which will be available to both the broker market and direct clients.
The cabin's interior is divided into several distinct sections, including a galley for the crew and meal preparation alongside several living and seating areas for passengers. The club class seating features in-flight entertainment systems, 52 inches of pitch, and a recline of 140 degrees for comfort.
The aircraft also contains an onboard stateroom with a double bed and a large private en-suite bathroom for customers.
ACC Aviation expects the demand for the aircraft to be high and has assembled a dedicated charter team to manage and market the plane, many of whom have worked with this specific aircraft. The Boeing 757 is a highly versatile aircraft in general and has a variety of uses in both charter and commercial capacities.
The aircraft can fly for 9.5 hours, reaching most of the world thanks to its ETOPS certification allowing it to fly transatlantic routes. The plane also has a cargo capacity of 10,000 kg (22,000 lbs), which equates to approximately 350 bags. Jamie Harris, President Americas at ACC Aviation, highlighted the aircraft's unique features as attractive to both traditional VIPs and large groups such as touring bands and sports teams:
“We are seeing first-hand in our day-to-day work the urgent need for more VIP airliner capacity as sectors that typically charter are flying more and more, and others that haven’t flown for two years, are planning tours again.”
“Many of our team have fond memories of this great aircraft, and to be part of the group now re-introducing it to the market is a privilege.”
Sports team charters are also on the rise ahead of the 2022 FIFA World Cup this year in Qatar. The large amounts of space and seats allow players, coaches, staff, and media to travel in one aircraft with in-flight catering options.
The Boeing 757 has also seen a renewed interest from Northern Pacific. The startup airline is looking to replicate the business model of fellow Boeing 757 operator Icelandair by providing nonstop connectivity for residents to visit Asia and the lower 48 US states. The airline will also integrate stopover packages to allow customers to explore the northernmost US state before continuing to their final destination.
Journalist – Jonathan served as an International Air Cadet Exchange Ambassador to Canada, and was stationed at RAF Lakenheath as a Staff Sergeant in the U.S Air Force. With a passion for discovering new destinations, he has visited over 70 countries from Azerbaijan to Zimbabwe. Jonathan holds honors degrees in both Nursing and European Studies. Based in Essex, England