In June 2021, a national Athletic Association asked us to arrange a return charter to the European Athletics Team Championships in Romania for up to 70 athletes.
Flying national athletes to the European Athletics Team Championships in Romania
In June 2021, a national Athletic Association asked us to arrange a return charter to the European Athletics Team Championships in Romania for up to 70 athletes.
In addition to the potential logistical difficulties created by the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, the client was unable to confirm passenger numbers until three days before the flight and there was a possibility that their luggage would include a five-metre-long bag of pole vaults, so we needed to come up with several feasible solutions that could be easily adapted in changeable circumstances.
Our Solution
Routes: Tallinn > Cluj > Tallinn
Aircraft: ATR 72-600
We sourced two possible aircraft: a Boeing B737-800, which was the smallest jet that could accommodate both the passengers and the pole vaults; and an ATR 72-600, which was the most cost-effective option if the team was travelling alone. The client had a limited budget, so we put them in contact with two other national teams and provided a quote for sharing a charter to the tournament, but in the end they decided to charter alone and opted for the ATR 72-600.
As we weren’t able to confirm passenger numbers straight away, our initial contract included a fuel stop in case there were over 58 passengers travelling. In the end there were only 55 passengers, so we cancelled the stopover as rescheduled the flight to operate direct.
The Finer Details
Available 24/7: We sent passengers’ negative Covid-19 test results to the airport ahead of the flight, so that all they had to do on the day was drop their bags and board the aircraft. Our team worked around the clock to ensure all requirements were met, even sending last-minute name changes and delayed test results to the airport at 11pm the night before the flight.
Personalised Service: We arranged bespoke catering for each leg of the charter, providing healthy options on the outbound flight before the athletes competed and a more relaxed menu on the return journey when their diet didn't need to be so strict.