During the recent period of disruption caused by the Icelandic volcano eruption,, AERO ALLIANCE were tasked to fly to Madrid. The detail involved flying two businessmen to Madrid, where they had to conduct an important business meeting before catching a transatlantic flight to the USA. The flight which was booked with only 12 hours notice departed Shoreham at 08:00 in the Piper Chieftain, with the usual 5 minute check in time.

The flight was conducted at 6000 feet and the aircrafts' large windows allowed the passengers to take in the fantastic views of the English Channel, Normandy, Le Mans, Angers, Nantes, Bordeaux, Biarritz, the Pyranesse, San Sebastian, and Madrid City. Whist enjoying breakfast on board, they had a 2 hour pre business meeting, using their laptops and mobile phones to keep in touch with the office. Another hour of reading their favourite novel and they were fixated on the spectacular Spanish mountains, whose peaks, ski runs and lochs were truly breathtaking. A direct arrival allowed good time, arriving after only 3 hours 55 minutes flight time. The passengers were in the hands of their Spanish business within a 5 minute check out, meaning they had the day to enjoy the delights Spain had to offer.

At Madrid our crew had a 2 hour rest period, in which time they were tasked further to repatriate a family who had been stranded in Portugal, as well as a London based investment banker who was trying to get home to his family. As no other operators were flying, we were the only option available. (Unless you compare the 36 hour car journey which still had no way of crossing the English Channel). After a swift check in our Piper Chieftain was airborne, heading for home.

During the smooth scenic flight home our crew received a special request from flight operations in Sussex. A Sussex teacher who was stuck in Le Touquet needed desperately to get home that day as her students had important studies to do. After a brief in flight conversation with the passengers (who were enjoying champagne and lunch), they kindly agreed to stop by Le Touquet to pick up the stranded teacher. This added only 5 mi

nutes overall flying time and just an impressive 15 minute turnaround between landing and taking off at Le Touquet. The flight arrived back at Shoreham with plenty of time to spare. The AERO ALLIANCE crew were ready and waiting to unload the baggage and help the passengers to their waiting cars with minimal delay.