The company which handles all private aviation and business flights at Leeds Bradford Airport is looking to increase the size of its fleet to meet growing demand.

Multiflight, which has transformed the south side of the Yeadon airport with a multi-million pound investment programme, can count footballers, pop stars and Government ministers among its clients.

The company, founded by David Hood, co-founder of Saltaire-based Pace Micro Technology, already has six aircraft available for charter, including two luxurious Dauphin AS365 helicopters.

But the demand for aircraft to take customers to meetings or special events means Multiflight is looking to make more aircraft available over the next year, according to the company's managing director Steve Borrowdale.

He said: "Two or three new aircraft are coming in the next 12 months which will be available for charter.

"We provide aircraft for leisure and business meetings and can provide charter services.

"We have six aircraft, from a little piston engine to a Eurocopter 365. They are the main stay of our fleet and we provide these 24/7."

The company is also enjoying success with its aircraft sales department, which helps private buyers, small businesses and large companies, with buying and selling.

Mr Borrowdale said: "We have quite a lot of interest from individuals and companies wanting to acquire aircraft.

"We can locate the right aircraft for customers, acquire them and sell them. When an individual is seeking to buy an aircraft, we act as consultants to acquire it. We have been commissioned to go to Detroit next week to buy a special type of helicopter with a view to bringing it back here to convert it for company use."

In the last year, Multiflight sourced aircraft in the US and Italy for individuals and companies, before bringing them to the UK.

The company held a showcase event last weekend, in partnership with JCT 600 Bentley, which involved a display starring a Learjet 45, courtesy of Bombardier International, together with Multiflight's fleet of charter helicopters.

Hundreds of guests were shown the advantages of flying to meetings, special events or for fun.

Multiflight was recently voted the second best fixed-base operation in Europe for customer service.

The company has also completed the initial refurbishment of the Multiflight Hangar 2 building, to transform passenger handling.

Meanwhile, the Yorkshire Aero Club Cafe at the flight centre is undergoing refurbishment.

e-mail: will.kilner@bradford.newsquest.co.uk

  • Start or join a debate on this issue in our online forum - Click here