Spanish operator Suraviation, formed in 2006, says it has doubled its capacity and margins year on year, and bases its success on the niche that it believes the current economy has created, with 95 per cent of its operations taking place outside Spain. Deputy managing director Nef Moya says that the philosophy of the company is inspired by low cost carriers: “I personally love the way Ryanair runs its business; it has a clear goal and offers flights at more affordable prices. I'd like to call Suraviation the ultra low cost carrier of business aviation, and in our case cheap prices go hand in hand with high safety standards.”

Moya's responsibilities at the company are to co-manage its daily operations, develop the business model and reduce operational costs. “It has not been a smooth ride but definitely challenging and fun,” he says. He counts over 50 professionals in the company with an average age of 36, including captains and executives. Suraviation has seven aircraft registered to its AOC, six of which are Citation Mustangs that can be positioned at either London, Paris, Geneva or Milan. It also uses destinations in Africa and Greece as well as southern Spain in the summer months. The rules of the Spanish CAA dictate that pilots undertake recurrent training every six months, setting high standards in proficiency.

A significant proportion of its custom comes from repeat business, and Moya is full of praise for online platform Victor, which has generated a good deal of business for his company. The collaboration began in 2011. “Victor is a whole new market for private jet travel, and we share the same business model of accessibility and affordability,” he says.

“As a customer; you see the aircraft, you like it and you book it. Technology allows the customer to do so instan-taneously and to put them in touch. I would say it is even easier than booking an airline flight.” Minimising empty legs has also proved advantageous, according to Moya.

He remarks that the economy is seemingly picking up again, but does feel that a shift in client mindset is required if business aviation is to truly flourish. He says: “Corporations and companies have to change their thought process about owning aircraft. Aircraft are assets that produce money – it is not just about the glamorous lifestyle nor is an aircraft a symbol of success and wasteful spending. Money matters to everyone, no matter how much you have to spend. Along with our services this is what makes customers choose us for their flights. We believe that aircraft cost control is key in helping clients maximise the benefits of private air travel.”

The company has expanded of late, having acquired the other half of a building in the Madrid main business area. Although an improvement, Moya says that at the current growth rate larger premises will have to be sought in the not too distant future. Suraviation enjoys a close relationship with the Cessna service centre in Valencia, and according to the manufacturer, Moya's company has clocked up more Mustang hours than almost any other operator globally.