Hans Airways Airbus A330 performs its formal route proving flight

Hans Airways has performed its formal route proving flight for the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) aboard its newly registered Airbus A330. This route proving flight is the penultimate regulatory milestone for the CAA before Hans Airways can start its commercial operation in the UK. Once gained, it will then apply to India’s equivalent regulator.

The flight was led by COO Captain Nathan Burkitt, whilst Neeru Prabhakar, Manager – Cabin Safety and Service, operated the flight, and Simon Prower, Director of Ground Operations, focused on dispatch and logistics, with ground handling managed by Swissport.

With over 100 guests on board and a flight time was just over two hours, the aircraft made its way along the west coast towards the North Atlantic before heading back to Birmingham Airport.

“It is my honour and privilege to take the controls on our first A330 flight,” exclaimed COO and Captain Nathan Burkitt. On the first leg, to Prestwick, he was joined by Senior Captain Graham Ness (ex Oman Air, easyJet) – one of the first pilots to join the company.

“This week was a very significant one in the Hans Airways’ journey,” commented Chief Commercial Officer Martin Dunn, adding, “we are now really looking forward to pro-active engagement with the travel trade community.”