About us
Planes, trains
and automobiles
Intro
JJP Aviation is part of JJP Holdings (link to JJPH website), which has a proven pedigree and enviable track-record in transportation of all kinds, from historical and heritage buses to head-turning, high-end, prestige cars, to steam trains.
JJP Holdings provides a comprehensive range of services and support to bus and rail businesses, operators and supply chains nationally and internationally, as well as buying, selling and sourcing dream cars. The business is no stranger to the world of aviation, having provided operational, logistical and managerial support to Bristol Airport, both on the air side and with ground transportation as part of a comprehensive three-year, post-Covid strategy.
Channelling decades of acquired experience and expertise into JJP Aviation will enable us to become the first-choice one-stop-shop for luxury air travel services – whether you want to charter a private plane, buy one, sell one, let us manage one for you, or you need to some repair or refurbishment work undertaken.
We have a proud history of safety compliance and of successfully delivering strategic projects. Because of the size of JJP Holdings, its interests and business activities, we have the infrastructure, knowledge and network to now make our mark in the aviation world.
Our unparalleled passion for what we do is matched only by our commitment to delivering exceptionally high, class-leading, standards of client experience, service and satisfaction. When it comes to flying, we offer all of the fun with none of the hassle.
The JJP Holdings portfolio includes Image Coachworks, Crosville Motor Services, J&S Building Developments and Prestige International Cars Limited.
Our Story
JJP Holdings is owned by founder and Chairman Jonathan Jones-Pratt, whose personal passion for buses, cars, planes and trains was fuelled by his father’s enthusiasm for vintage transport.
In 1972, his father bought an old bus but sold it in 1989, much to Jonathan’s dismay. Through hard work and determination, Jonathan was able to buy that bus back at the age of 16, with the aim of restoring it. Using his bedroom as an office, and an old barn for the project itself, Jonathan’s career in heritage vehicle restoration began.
He completed a transport manager qualification at the age of 17 and was, at the time, the youngest person to achieve an international Certificate of Professional Competence. He went to work for an independent bus operation before setting up a consultancy business, which became JJP Holdings.
In 2015 JJPH acquired and built the Southern National and Crosville Motor Services bus brands, which also included running seafront land trains in Weston-super-Mare and a year later collaborated with First Group to form what is now Specialist Transport Solutions, a joint venture to deliver the passenger transport needs of the largest construction site in Europe, Hinkley Point C. What started as a five bus operation rapidly expanded to a 200-coach organisation which First Bus bought outright in 2021.
Jonathan prides himself on being a very hands-on chairman, leading by example and playing a very active role in all aspects of the business.
He said: “I had a vision and have pulled together a network and supply chain to realise that vision, so that we can do something dynamic and different in the aviation world.
“We won’t be a one-trick pony, we will be a one-stop-shop. If you want to fly, we will fly you. If you want to own your own aircraft, we will help you achieve that; we can help you manage that aircraft, and guide you through the compliance processes. If you want to upgrade your aircraft, refurbish the interior or re-paint it, we can do it.
“I also bring my own, first-hand, experience of private aircraft ownership, which helps me to help anticipate any potential pitfalls anyone else might face and provide practical solutions.
“JJP Aviation is not just about reaching for the sky, it is about getting there – and helping others to get there, too. We’re bringing a new culture to the aviation industry, redefining the ideas and methods which have gone before, bringing something exciting and fresh to this sector.
“We aim to deliver the same kind of exemplary service that we would want to receive, ensuring that we provide all our clients with an exceptional experience.”
And who knows, with the sky being the limit, Jonathan might finally get to achieve his ambition of owning his very own Spitfire…
Values
The values that drive
everything we do
As part of JJP Holdings, JJP Aviation applies the same values of Excellence, Collaboration, Innovation, Care and Commitment to everything we do. When it comes to our aircraft services, we are all about Comfort, Luxury, Safety, Dependability and Personalisation.
Excellence
Going above and beyond to consistently exceed expectations.
Collaboration
Working together and supporting each other to achieve mutual success.
Innovation
Forward-thinking and creative, bringing game-changing ideas to fruition.
Care
Although we operate globally, we are still small enough to care, large enough to ensure absolute excellence in everything we do.
Commitment
We are completely committed to our clients, our workforce and the local communities we serve.
Location
Flying from Biggin Hill
Sustainability
Modern businesses are expected to play their part in protecting the planet and this is something JJP Aviation is extremely aware of. We are fully committed to sustainability, ensuring that our aviation services are both luxurious and eco-conscious so that we can minimise our carbon footprint while still delivering exceptional experiences for our clients.
We employ eco-friendly practices such as optimising flight routes and using carbon offset programmes, which means those who choose to fly with us can enjoy world-class aviation services while also contributing towards a cleaner, greener, future
Another example of how we seek to keep our carbon footprint low is the use of empty leg flights. These happen when a charter is only one-way, or a positioning leg is required before or after the flight. This means there are no passengers on board and only crew are on the aircraft.
The flight still needs to be made with or without passengers, but certain costs remain, such as fuel, crew wages, airport fees and maintenance, so rather than draw in no income to offset the costs, operators offer empty leg flights at a discount. The overall operation becomes more efficient and cost-effective, and for a traveller who can be flexible or spontaneous, and take advantage of short-notice availability, they get the exclusivity and speed of private flight at a discounted price.