03/01/2023
Inverness-based, Scottish startup airline Small World Aviation Group is proud to announce the appointments of co-founders Mr James Palmer as Chief Executive and Mr John Ellis as Chief Operating Officer.
James Palmer, whose experience comes from business and utility aviation and who has been with the company since its inception, will lead Small World Aviation Group in its mission to develop its 'Route Enablement Model' based on the concepts developed for Advanced Air Mobility. The company is focused on becoming 'implementation ready' for the new aircraft of tomorrow using the latest technology available in the market today. This will include using sustainable aviation fuels where feasible and, later, introducing electric vertical take-off aircraft, which are currently in development. It is the company's intention to drive their vision based on sustainability.
"I am proud and excited to lead this company and bring our exciting future vision to life," said James Palmer. "We have a unique opportunity to create the model of the future within a challenging environment such as the Highlands and Islands of Scotland. I am under no illusion about the enormity and complexity of the task ahead, but I believe we have the team, knowledge, and experience to make this vision a reality."
In addition, Small World Aviation Group has been appointed as the exclusive global sales partner for ARC Aerosystems’ Starling Cargo UAVs and their soon-to-be-announced subregional eVTOL gyroplane concept. ARC Aerosystems is the principal investor in Small World Aviation Group and hopes to introduce its own technology to the new airline operator in the future.
The company plans to obtain its UK Air Operators Certificate in 2023 and its European Air Operators Certificate in late 2023 or early 2024.
"The route models and aircraft used today will not suit a more connected, cost-effective transport system," said James. "This means we must adapt now to prepare for the arrival of new aircraft types of tomorrow. We must thoroughly understand where people need to travel between, using today's primary and secondary airport infrastructure and utilising smaller, existing general aviation airfield infrastructure supplemented with additional vertiports where needed. We will need to create the infrastructure network needed for this to be a successful transition into the new aviation technology of tomorrow. We have the opportunity to design the future, today."
Small World Aviation Group is excited to embark on this new journey under the leadership of James Palmer and John Ellis. It looks forward to bringing its innovative vision to life.
