Sophie Smith has joined Birmingham, UK-based Cello Aviation as deputy operations manager, in light of the fleet additions the company is planning.

Operations manager Rob Davies will spend more time dealing with the operational aspects of adding new aircraft to its AOC, as Cello anticipates further vip charter and ACMI work. Smith will monitor flights, oversee training and prepare flight and cabin crew rosters.

“Once we knew Sophie was available I was given tremendous support from the ceo to ensure that we brought her to Cello,” says Davies. “Being able to attract someone of her ability and reputation demonstrates the board's commitment to our future.

“This appointment gives us the extra resource that we need to handle a busier operation within a business that is growing. It prepares the ground for a busier flight programme.”

Smith has spent all her working life in aviation, including 10 years with Eastern Airways based at Humberside airport. “I have really enjoyed my life in aviation so far, but the chance to join Cello was too big an opportunity to miss,” she comments.

Ceo Nim Baines believes that the move is a further step in the right direction for the operator: “It is the quality and commitment of our people that has enabled us to make such good progress and there are more exciting plans for the future.”

Cello Aviation has seen its business grow during 2014 and now provides a broader range of aviation services including engineering and maintenance for other operators.

Additional staff have been recruited with the intention of strengthening key business areas, ahead of ambitious plans for 2015 which include bringing in further aircraft and extending its geographical reach.