There were double celebrations this week at Shannon Airport, as Gainjet Ireland took delivery of a new jet, which made history as the first aircraft in the world to be registered on the new Irish EJ aircraft register, administered by the Irish Aviation Authority.
The registration comes almost 90 years to the day since the first ever Irish aircraft registration, EI-AAA, in October 1928.
Established just three years ago in August 2015 and securing their operating certificate (AOC) in June 2016, Gainjet Ireland, based at Shannon Airport, is a leading worldwide private jet charter operator and management company. The new aircraft, EJ-IOBN, an Embraer Lineage 1000 executive jet, joins Gainjet Ireland’s growing fleet of Boeing, Gulfstream, Challenger and Citation aircraft in the worldwide executive aircraft market.
Gainjet’s team of 14 staff managed under the watchful eye of Ray Mills (the CEO and Accountable Manager) has grown the company from day one. Gainjet has gone from strength to strength with a fleet of luxury jets for charter and private clients.
Commenting on the success of the company, Mr Mills said: “It’s been an amazing year. We started at Shannon with three jets back in 2016. We chose Shannon because it is a strategically located European base that connects continents. Moreover, thanks to the growing IASC cluster, Shannon has become a major aviation hub for leasing companies and for Atlantic crossing traffic.
“Shannon Airport is a three-time Airport of the Year winner and we are very proud to be based here. We’re grateful to the Irish Aviation Authority who have been so supportive, and to IASC for its consistent support and promotion of the aviation businesses here.
“With the delivery of our latest jet, we now operate seven jets. We have plans to take delivery of further jets before the end of the year. With the new EJ register in place, Gainjet Ireland now offers fast and efficient ‘In-House’ aircraft registry solutions for commercial and NCC corporate jets, based on EASA’s high standards, for Europe and Internationally. I think it’s fair to say that very exciting times lie ahead. Watch this space,” he said.
Gainjet Ireland operates within Shannon Group’s International Aviation Services Centre (IASC) the business unit within Shannon Group plc tasked with building on the well-established aviation cluster at Shannon. Congratulating Gainjet Ireland, Patrick Edmond, IASC Managing Director said: “It is fantastic to see what Gainjet has achieved in such a short time. This is down to its experienced CEO and dedicated team. We in Shannon have a particular focus on the area of business and corporate aviation. This commitment to growth by a leading player such as GainJet is a real vote of confidence in the aviation ecosystem here in Shannon that’s developed over decades and reaffirms Shannon’s attractiveness as an ideal location for aerospace and aviation businesses.”