Blink recently exhibited for 3 days at the Business Travel Show, held each year in February 2009 at Earl’s Court in London.  Our exhibit, as seen in the photos below, highlighted how companies of all sizes can save money on their total cost of travel by incorporating Blink into their travel portfolio.

We spoke with a number of corporate travel managers who were surprised to learn that Blink could save their companies 15-20% on their total cost of travel on certain routes, even when compared to existing solutions which use commercial economy travel.

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Cessna has completed the assembly and build of Citation Mustang 510-0096 which has become G-FBKA, the 5th plane to join the Blink fleet.

Thanks to Cessna, we can watch as 510-0096 is assembled at the Cessna factory in Kansas. You’ll see the arrival of pieces of the fuselage, their assembly together, the joining of the wings, and the assembly of the Garmin 1000 based flight deck.

Once the plane has been assembled and tested by Cessna, the Blink team heads to out to Kansas to further inspect the plane, take delivery of the aircraft, and depart for the journey from Kansas back to London.

Featured in this album are:

• Chris Allan – Blink First Officer
• Ian Finch – Blink Director of Engineering
• Warren Hazelby – Blink Air Safety Advisor
• Joe O’Rourke – Cessna Customer Account Manager

If you enjoy this, be sure to check out Blink’s other photos and videos.

Blink announces the launch of the Blink 1080 Ski Pass for the Winter 2009-2010 European ski season.

Blink’s Winter 2009-2010 ski pass offers special pricing on three or more separate round-trips to Sion, Samedan, Chambéry, and Annecy from London, the Channel Islands, Paris, Cannes/Nice and other points across Europe.  The special offer allows travellers to enjoy stays of up the three nights for the same price as a day-return trip.  The ski pass represents exceptional value to fly direct to hard-to-reach ski resorts such as Verbier, St. Moritz, and Megève among others.  Blink estimates savings of up to 45% over traditional jet charters.

Rather than wasting time queuing at the airport or stuck in traffic, Blink enables skiers to fly direct to the mountain top.  Blink estimates the typical traveler flying from Central London can save  over 6 hours of wasted travel time every weekend trip to popular ski resorts when flying with Blink instead of with commercial alternatives:

• Central London to Verbier: saves 3 hours and 10 minutes each way
• Central London to St. Moritz: save 3 hours and 15 minutes each way
• Central London to Megeve: save 2 hours and 5 minutes each way

(Time saved assumes departure from London Farnborough)

Another unique feature of the ski pass is diversion protection.  Should one of the mountain airports be closed due to weather, there will be no extra charges for diversion to the closest open alternate airport.

Peter H. Leiman, Managing Director, says:

“Blink continues to offer differentiated value-for-money products in the market.  We listened to our clients and developed the ski pass to meet their needs.  Blink’s ski pass provides financial certainty by locking in a fixed price for the season that also includes all ancillary costs. Our Ski Pass provides savings of up to 45% over competing private jet services”

Please visit http://www.flyblink.com/skipass for more information and pricing details, or contact Blink Flight Services at blink@flyblink.com or +44 (0)20 7199 1400.

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You can view or download the ski pass brochure below.

We’ve been working on uploading more photos to our Flickr account. Two new slideshows are available which showcase the external views of our beautiful Blink-colored Cessna Citation Mustang jets and the spacious 4-person cabin and interior.

We encourage you to take a look.

If you enjoy this, be sure to check out Blink’s other photos and videos.

We would like to thank everyone who has helped make 2009 a successful year for Blink.  The entire Blink team wishes you, your friends and your family a wonderful holiday season and a happy, healthy 2010.

Enjoy a little holiday message from Blink (which we suggest you watch in full screen mode):

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With cold temperatures and snow across Europe, Blink jets also get covered in snow and ice.  Here are some pictures of two of our planes covered in fresh snow while parked at Blackbushe Airport (BBS/EGLK), just outside of London.

The Blink operations team works incredibly hard to ensure that as long as the airports are open, the Blink fleet is ready to fly.  As a client, you will not see our aircraft in this state, so we hope you enjoy the glimpse of the untouched snowy aircraft below.

Thanks to Steve Pickering, Blink’s Ground Operations Manager, for taking these pictures.  If you enjoy this, be sure to check out Blink’s other photos and videos.

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Blink’s trained up

Blink has left nothing to chance when it comes to safety: brand new aircraft from Cessna, the world’s leading manufacturer of private jets; highly experienced captains recruited directly from the most successful commercial airlines; and operational directors with proven track records at the highest echelons of the aviation industry. This week the spotlight is on Graham Howard, Blink’s Chief Training Captain.

With over 16,000 hours flight time and 34 years as a British Airways Pilot – culminating as BA’s most senior 777 training captain, Graham has huge aviation experience and knowledge. He has an intimate understanding of Blink’s Citation Mustang avionics – which are in many ways more advanced that those in most modern aircraft. By conveying that to Blink’s pilot cadre, he is equipping Blink’s air taxi service to reach more than 600 airports across Europe.

Why is your role at Blink important and what are its most challenging aspects?

The competence of our pilots underpins the most important aspect of Blink’s mission statement, namely Safety and Security.  My job is to ensure that all Blink pilots are competent and are able to demonstrate such competence in their respective roles.

How does your experience in the commercial aviation industry help you in this role?

My many years of experience with British Airways enable me to readily switch between the two essentials of training and facilitation: training in order to impart new knowledge, facilitation to allow the individual to develop skills and behaviours.

How rigorous are training standards at Blink?

Blink pilots undergo the same checking regime as airline pilots.  In some ways the training at Blink is superior to that of a pilot in a large airline, as the emphasis is on actual flight rather than simulator testing.

In what ways does your contribution create a better experience for Blink’s customers?

Competence breeds confidence!  On Blink aircraft the customer interacts directly with the Flight Crew.  The knowledge and confident demeanour of Blink pilots transmits to our passengers, creating an atmosphere of warmth and security, so enhancing the travel experience.

How do the Mustang’s avionics compare with modern jet airliners?

The Mustang’s avionics compare very favourably with those of the airliners that I have flown.  Are you aware that only the very latest types, such as the B777, are fitted with GPS as standard? Using GPS, the geographical position of the Mustang can be fixed to within 10 feet!  Combine this with the ability to superimpose this position on a terrain map of the Earth, then add in the relative positions of other nearby aircraft and you have a very powerful tool to aid the pilot’s situational awareness.

What is your favourite Blink destination?  Where do you like landing the most?

I really don’t have a favourite destination, all cities have their own unique flavour and culture.  Home is the best place to land.

Why did you want to become a pilot?

The complex interface between man, machine and the environment fascinates me.  I think it probably always will.

If you could fly any plane in the world, what would it be?

As I have flown many “big jets” the Mustang suits me fine.

What is the first bit of advice you give to younger pilots?

Remember what it was like when you were learning to fly.

What do you enjoy about flying that keeps you in the cockpit after 16,000 hours?

The people, the freedom, and the self reliance.

This is the first in a series of interviews with key members of the Blink team.  If you have have a question that you would like to ask a member of our team, please contact us.

Engineering an exceptional product

The latest Citation to emerge from the Cessna drawing board is evolutionary, not revolutionary. But at $2.6 million for a well-equipped jet, the Mustang breaks the price barrier for entry into the exclusive jet set.

Cessna has a 35-year track record of manufacturing business jets with good performance, reliable systems and exceptional handling characteristics. Its twin engine Mustang is no exception, as we at Blink can testify, having now established the market’s largest fleet of 7 Mustang jets. And if we ever need the support, we’ve got a European network of Cessna Service Centres to call.

So does this mean than Ian Finch, Blink’s Head of Engineering, has the easiest job in the company? Find out more in our monthly interview:

What attracted you to Blink?

I was interested in joining Blink as I felt it was a company I could work with and enjoy building the maintenance department of a growing fleet of aircraft.

How does Blink compare to previous companies where you’ve worked?

After working with many business aviation companies of various sizes, I found that Blink has a strong team dedicated to the progress of the company and most noticeably a dynamic approach to the promotion of the company and making Blink a strong member of the business aviation market.

What are the principal responsibilities you have as Head of Engineering?

Primarily, I manage the maintenance needs for our aircraft, monitor regularity and safety requirements ensuring we operate to all requirements and that the aircraft are maintained to the latest manufacturers and authority recommendations.  I also arrange support to aircraft at any location when minor maintenance requirements come up outside of the larger base requirements.

What are the main challenges of the job?

With a fleet of aircraft moving in all directions across Europe, it’s the travelling between aircraft which takes up a reasonable part of my time.  However, there are some perks that come along with the travel…I’ve had the privilege to visit locations that I never would have seen in a different line of work.

How important is Blink’s relationship with Cessna?

The Cessna service centre network and field support is an exceptional asset to Blink. 24 hour technical support and maintenance facilities at key locations make supporting ‘in service aircraft’ possible throughout Europe.  Over my 15 year career maintaining Cessna products, I have built good relationships with the Cessna technical teams across Europe and in the US and have always found a professional attitude and high regard for customer support.

Can you tell us the most difficult experience you’ve yet had at Blink, in your role?

The M25…every week, here’s looking forward to the end of the roadworks.

We hear you build hovercrafts in your spare time – can you tell us more?

Yes, as a hobby I take part in hovercraft racing, I enjoy taking time out a few weekends through the summer to get away with my family and meet up with friends, and of course building the craft, engine and ducted fan is all part of the fun for me.

The Interview is the second in a monthly series of interviews with key members of the Blink team. If you have have a question that you would like to ask a member of our team, please contact us.

Beginning this month, Blink will provide all on-board customers with a quarterly agenda featuring our pick of the most interesting and glamorous events taking place across our European destination network. We will show how to Blink there and from time to time offer special promotions including limousines, hotel services and villa accommodation.

A stylish A5-size takeaway, the Blink Agenda should be a useful desktop reference for those with little time and a big sense of adventure.

Keeping ground operations in order

As Europe’s first air taxi operator, Blink manages the largest fleet of Cessna Mustangs anywhere in the industry. Every day, Blink may have a dozen separate flights to plan, file, crew, operate, and monitor. The challenge of keeping pilots, regulators, and not least customers happy throughout every day is complicated because Blink flies to no schedule save that of our passengers. At any minute, 24/7, Blink ground operations needs to be prepared for new requests. Lately the job just got trickier, with Eyjafjallajoekull’s ash cloud unpredictably closing large parts of European air space.

Stephen Pickering, Blink’s Ground Operations Manager, manages this hot spot and tells us more below:

Good morning Stephen, tell us how you came to be with Blink

My career has been forged at the other end of the aviation spectrum, at British Airways, where I spent 30 years in positions spanning sales, terminal operations, safety auditing and operations control. Blink has given me the opportunity to lend this experience to a game changer in the private jet industry.

How does your job at Blink compare to that at British Airways?

Blink and BA could not be further apart in terms of size and scale, and the culture of a multinational organization is a million miles from the entrepreneurial camaraderie at Blink. But we’re still in aviation, and I’m still running ground operations – many of the same rules and challenges remain the same.

What are the job’s biggest challenges and how have you addressed them?

Blink set out 2 years ago to change the rules that have established what can and cannot be done in private aviation. From an operational point of view, that means managing a single aircraft type fleet, showing for the first time what very light jets can do across an unprecedentedly extensive network of airports.

The biggest challenge is also the major motivating force: how to build a reputation for reliability and professionalism around a brand new operation. We’ve gone about that by creating a team that combines aviation experience and a passion for achieving our business vision – an air taxi service for European short haul travel.

And is there time to enjoy life outside Blink?

We’re a 24/7 operation but we’re a close team and it’s a work hard play hard culture. Not that I have a choice – I have two young sons ready and waiting for action the moment I leave the office!

The Interview is the third in a series of interviews with key members of the Blink team. If you have have a question that you would like to ask a member of our team, please contact us.

Today, Blink launched new functionality on our website (www.flyblink.com) designed to enable visitors to do more online.  For the first time, users can price and book a private jet flight online, take advantage of last minute deals offering exceptional pricing for short notice bookings, and see all of our fare sales including our “Fly for £495” specials.

Flyblink.com puts a whole range of possibilities at your fingertips including:

• Price and book online: www.flyblink.com/book
• Grab a Last Minute Deal: www.flyblink.com/lmd
• Search for your most convenient airport: www.flyblink.com/airports
• Discover our monthly sales to various European destinations: www.flyblink.com/sales

Online pricing and booking

Users can price and booking line to and from any of our over 600 European destinations.

Monthly fare sales

Inspired by the season, an event or just because we feel like it – each month, we offer sale price fares to a selection of in-demand locations.

Fly for £495

Whether it’s to a Michelin rated lunch or a round of golf in France – every month, we give you the chance to fly privately for just £495 per person.  Visit www.flyblink.com/495 to see our latest “Fly for £495” offer

Last Minute Deals

Blink is pleased to offer Last Minute Deals on our fleet at exceptional prices. All prices are per-plane and as Blink jets carry maximum of four passengers, a fuller aircraft means a lower cost per person.

Peter Leiman, Blink’s MD and co-founder, commented,

We’ve moved from a website that was primarily informational to one that is transactional.  For the first time, travellers can price and book a private jet online.  This is an important step in expanding the customer base beyond those that have traditionally used private jets.  Our web savvy clients should appreciate these new developments.

Jake Peters, Blink’s Information Technology & Online Strategy Advisor, noted,

Online booking brings Blink further along the journey in developing an on-demand, private airline service which embodies the principles of low-cost aviation. Allowing our clients to explore prices online and book flights with a few clicks reduces Blink’s booking transaction cost, enabling us to continue offering the best prices — one of Blink’s core values. But unlike the low cost carriers, we do not view the online channel as a complete replacement for communicating directly with the Blink Flight Services team over phone or email. Rather, we view online booking as a key part of our mission to deliver exemplary service — another Blink core value — by enabling those who desire to book online the opportunity to do so.

Delivering service

Blink’s goal is to provide a cost effective travel solution that helps to optimise your valuable time – but not at the expense of a satisfying and enjoyable experience. Our astute and dedicated Flight Services team is here to make the process of ‘hiring a Blink air taxi’ simple and hassle free. They will work with you to understand your requirements and provide you with the best value for money solution.

Rebecca Goff, Blink’s Flight Services Supervisor, ensures that Blink delivers its high level of customer service.

What attracted you to Blink?

Working at a small, dynamic start-up company was a challenge that I couldn’t resist. Working for Blink has given me the chance to learn many aspects of the business that I would never have had the opportunity to be involved in at a larger organisation. The atmosphere and culture and Blink is a unique one. translator directory . The age range of the team provides the much needed experience to the innovative thinking of the younger members of the team.

How do you define exceptional customer service?

Providing a stress-free, seamless service from booking to post flight. We are on hand 24/7 so that or clients always feel they are being taken of.

What is the most difficult part of your job?

Without a doubt that most difficult part is advising a passenger of an issue that is out of my control. Whether that be a slot delay, a weather issue or inconsiderate Icelandic Volcanoes! When there is nothing I can do to help the passenger, it is very frustrating. In this situation we will always ensure we provide the most up to date information and make sure we take any possible action to minimize any disruption to their day.

Why do you call the customer service team “Flight Services”?

We don’t feel that Customer Services really captures all that we can offer our clients. Everyone on the team has a background in Operations as well as Customer Service which helps us provide a more efficient service. We think it is important that we are all able to assist on a technical level and can therefore advise the limitations of an operation. Although we don’t like to decline any request we feel it’s important that we manage our clients’ expectations.

Blink places the Customer at the centre of everything we do. That must create a lot challenges for you. How do you meet the high expectations placed upon you?

In any situation I face I always try and think as the customer would. How would I feel about a slot delay or what would I like Blink to do to make my life easier? Whether that’s being on hand to order some ground transport on arrival or maybe letting a passenger know that the weather’s not looking too clever for a flight the next day. I’ll try to be ahead of the game and update clients with any information that may impact their day.

How do you ensure that all members of the Flight Services team deliver the same level and calibre of service?

We have a very close knit team in Flight Services. Communication is very important to ensuring anyone who answers the phone is fully briefed to help whoever is calling. A benefit of being a relatively small operation is we are all able to keep track of every flight and therefore supply the personal level of service that really makes the difference.

What do you enjoy doing in your free time?

Spending time with my friends and family takes priority when I’m not at work. I also like swimming and watching my local football team with the rest of my family.

What’s it’s like to work at Blink?

It’s certainly never boring! Every day is different and you never know what the day will hold when you walk into the office in the morning. I’m lucky enough to work with some great people. Despite the long and sometimes frustrating days, I can honestly say we laugh in the office every day!

Looking after the family

Key to the success of any business is it’s ability to look after those who dedicate each day to delivering the company’s vision. Blink started with two people building a business plan around a kitchen table. Four years later, Blink employs 40 people with a vast array of skills, shift patterns, working locations, and family lives to consider.

Clare Silcock, Blink’s HR Manager, talks about the challenges of maintaining the family atmosphere in an ever-growing organisation.

What attracted you to Blink?

I loved the idea of working for a Company with an exciting product and which was right at the beginning of start-up phase- Plenty for an HR Manager to get stuck into. The enthusiasm of Cameron and Peter was infectious as soon as I met them and I felt very excited about working for 2 people who had a real belief in, and passion for the business.

How is Blink different to your previous HR job?

I was very lucky to have worked for another small private jet company prior to joining Blink, although this was more established and had more staff in place when I joined. Because Blink was in its infancy in December 2008 when I started, there has been a huge growth in staffing levels, almost doubling over the year. There has also been times when Blink have had to make changes to its plans to adjust to perhaps market conditions, and this means that as an employee you never get bored and it keeps you on your toes!

What is the most challenging part of being an HR Manager?

I guess the most challenging thing about my job is that you never quite know what might come up during the course of a day. However that also makes it interesting for me. I thrive on something out of the ordinary happening and when you’re dealing with people all of the time something usually does!

What can jobseekers do to increase their chances of getting an interview with Blink?

The first thing to do is to keep an eye on our website as we will always update this when we need to recruit staff. In all of our staff, from our pilots to our Ops team, to our Director of Engineering, we look for people who have a real understanding of what customer service is all about. what is my dns server Secondly, but just as important, they have to have a passion and belief in the Company. Enthusiasm is absolutely key.

Is Blink expanding?

The growth of the business during 2009 was tremendous. We almost doubled in size, due to both demand and the number of aircraft coming on line. We went from just two aeroplanes at the start of the year to seven by September. The growth this year has been slower – we have recruited a new Head of Finance and a Sales person and will continue to recruit for very specific roles. We anticipate that 2011 will again be a growth time as we plan to take delivery of more aircraft. It may be that we open more hubs outside of the UK which will be an interesting time again for the Company.

What does Blink look for in potential pilots?

As I’ve hinted before, customer service skills are paramount in our pilots as they look after our customers on their flights. We also like to meet pilots who have worked for other business jet operators as they are very familiar with working in a non-scheduled environment, where trips can come up or change made at the very last minute. Therefore flexibility is a must.

I’m a university student looking for a summer job, are there potential opportunities to gain work experience?

The summer months are certainly our busiest time of year so there are possibilities of working for Blink, particularly in the Flight Services Department. However these areas require a particular skill set to make the three months useful and certainly if people have got a pilot qualification, or are sales oriented they have more of a chance of being successful in obtaining a temporary role. As the Company grows further there may be more opportunities in other departments. Again we will advertise this on our website.

Is previous aviation experience a pre-requisite for working at Blink?

In some departments this is certainly true. However we do have a number of people who have come from other industries and therefore bring other skills with them. It is good to have a mix of experience within the Company.

Since Blink is a start-up, is HR more difficult than at an established Company?

It is certainly more unpredictable and therefore has different challenges. However I wouldn’t say it is any more difficult than working for an established Company.

How have the HR processes evolved as Blink has grown?

When I joined there were a few basic policies and procedures in place. As the Company has grown, we have obviously developed and formalised these. A Company Handbook is important for our employees as it sets the theme for their employment going forward and we now have this in place.

Since HR is like dealing with family issues at work and you have young children at home, do you ever get any free time to enjoy yourself?

My life at home is just as busy as my work life, but I am very lucky to be able to work part time. Blink is very flexible with me and I also try to work days convenient to the Company.
I have 3 children between the ages of 8 and 17 so most of my time is spent as a taxi service for all of their interests, and standing on the touchline of a football field or dance show cheering them on!

Take a peek at the latest issue of the Blink quarterly agenda featuring our pick of the most interesting and glamorous events taking place across our European destination network. We will show how to Blink there and from time to time offer special promotions including limousines, hotel services and villa accommodation.

A stylish A5-size takeaway, the Blink Agenda should be a useful desktop reference for those with little time and a big sense of adventure.

Building Team Blink

In January 2008, the first employee of Blink started work. The first task was to build the team of staff that would manage the fleet of 30 aircraft Blink had ordered. Two and a half years later Blink has 7 aircraft in the fleet, and 40 employees. Captain Dougie Gass, Blink’s Chief Pilot and Director of Flight Operations, reflects on his wealth of experience from his career at British Airways, and how he set about building the team at Blink.

You were the first Blink employee. What was it like joining Blink on day 1?

On the day I joined Blink in January 2008, the Blink office was in Bishopsgate, and it was, I recall, on the small side of small! My feelings and thoughts however, were anything but small. It was the most exciting day, and the thoughts of the coming months, and the building of the team that would become the backbone of Blink Flight Operations, made me think on a grand scale. There was so much to do, and the days were full of vision. It made me think how simple and straightforward my recent times at BA had been, and how exciting the following months would be by comparison. I was right, it was exciting, it was a challenge, and it still is.

What does the Director of Flight Operations do?

Very broadly, he ensures safe, stable and efficient aircraft operations within the Flight Ops department. Also, that all operations comply with the requirements of the regulatory body. This includes the coordinating of all Blink flight operations; ensuring that all Blink aircraft are operated according to their manuals, and using the correct SOP’s; pilot recruitment, categorising new airports and determining their suitability for Blink operations. He has ultimate responsibility for all manuals. In all, he is responsible for, and oversees the Blink flight operations.

You’ve described the Blink Jet – the Cessna Citation Mustang – as making the 747-400 look steam driven. What do you mean?

The 747-400 is a fantastic aircraft, and BA took delivery of the first few in 1989; in fact it was one of Blink’s Captains that flew one of the first ones back from Seattle. That was over 20 years ago. The Mustang, being a new model aircraft, has taken full advantage of the many advances in technology. It is fitted with the latest Garmin G1000 glass cockpit, which manages the instrument and engine displays, the autopilot and the flight guidance systems. It also has fabulous navigation displays, with great visual displays which enhance situational awareness, and is the core of the cockpit that does make the 400 look ‘steam driven’.

What has been the most challenging part of transitioning from British Airways’ most senior 747 training captain to the Director of Flight Operations at Blink?

Flying such a long career within BA is something of which I remain very proud and have great memories of. I believe that over that long career, I learned much about people, their standards and behaviour, and their direct effect and contribution to flight safety. It was a great challenge to bring those same ‘best practices’ and introduce them into Blink’s operation, but it has been a pleasure doing it. Thinking back, within BA, I now realise how much support I had, both in the training environment, and with line flying, it was nice being spoiled! During the start up of Blink, I had to learn many new skills, including IT, admin and adjusting to the office environment, all of which presented their own challenges. The most important and significant challenge has been to build the team that works well together, and that will ensure the success of Blink.

When you recruit pilots, what talents and skills do you seek? What makes a Blink pilot?

I enjoy the recruitment process. I have learned over my career that the pilots who enjoy the greatest success, among other things, are the best team players. People who are aware of, and consider; other people’s needs, as well as their own. Someone who can stay ‘ahead of the game.’ So, what do I look for when recruiting new pilots? Excellent qualifications are an obvious pre requisite, together with the necessary flying skills; but I also try to select the very best people, who are team players, and ones with the best people skills. After all, Blink pilots are, not only pilots, but also front line, on the day managers, promoters of sales, who are hugely involved in customer care, and ambassadors for Blink. We need all rounders, we need the very best.

What has been more your significant accomplishment at Blink?

Being part of the team that worked towards, and were granted Blink’s AOC in 2009 was certainly a great achievement; and one of which all who were involved are very proud. I personally consider one of the very significant accomplishments to be every time I sit on the flight deck of a Mustang and I take part in an operation that I consider to be of ‘world standard’. I am very proud of our aircraft operation and the first class use of Blink Standard Operating Procedures, by all of our aircrew.

How do you relax?

I am keen on many forms of sport. Golf is one of my favourites, and having taken a short sabbatical from it, as Blink was formed and grew, I again enjoy time at my club Wentworth, as I try to get my game back in some kind of order. I support my local Rugby club, Bracknell, as well as my beloved Manchester United, who I love to watch whenever able. Other forms of relaxation for me include gardening and cooking at my home in Ascot.

What excites you most about flying?

Having started my flying career in 1970, it is difficult for me to think of flying, after 39 years at the controls, as exciting; but the fact is, I do. I am fortunate, in that I now take the opportunity to fly our Mustangs more often than when we were establishing Blink. The flying part is still the best part of the job for any pilot, and it is no different for me. Unlike in the airlines, we fly to and visit many new airfields, all with their own challenges, and in our case, with some fabulous new views, such as Samedan and Lugano. Yes, and I am very grateful for the fact, it is still exciting.

This summer has been the busiest yet for Blink.  We’ve flown to all the corners of Europe, and set up summer bases in the the south of France, Sardinia, and the Balaerics to better serve your flight requests.  Our crew have been snapping away everywhere they go, which allows us to share with you some of the views you can enjoy at 41,000 feet onboard Blink.

Click on any of the images to find out more about where they were taken. web contacts

To celebrate Blink’s 1,000th fan on Facebook, we’re offering one lucky fan the opportunity to Blink for free!

Blink’s Facebook page

Join our active community of users and enthusiasts on Facebook. Share your favourite Blink memory and browse all our photos and videos of the Blink jets in their travels throughout Europe.  Our Facebook page is also a great way to learn about our lastest fare sales, special offers, and Last Minute Deals.

Free Last Minute Deal

Everyday, we offer last minute flights for as little as £250.  These “Last Minute Deals” or “LMDs” provide an exceptional way to fly on a private jet for less than the price of a commercial business class ticket.  We post our LMDs on our website (www.flyblink.com), our Facebook page (www.facebook.com/flyblink), and our Twitter page (@flyblink).

For one lucky winner, they will have the choice of any of our LMDs for free.  To enter, simply Like Blink on Facebook. The first 1,000 fans will be entered into a draw to win an LMD of their choice.

Terms and conditions:
> Only the first 1,000 fans will be entered to the draw, of which one winner will be picked at random.
> The draw will be made once the Blink Facebook page (www.facebook.com/flyblink) reaches 1,000 fans.
> The winner will be notified by message to their Facebook account and their name anounced on the Blink Facebook page.
> The prize consists of one flight onboard a Blink Jet from a selection of LMDs.  A maximum of 4 passengers can travel, depending on the route.
> The flight must be taken by 31 December 2010.
> The flight is a one-way journey.  All taxes, insurances, transfers, spending money and other expenses, unless specifically stated, are the sole responsibility of the prize-winner.
> Each person is permitted one entry.  The lead passenger’s name must match that of the winning Facebook account holder.
> If a schedule change occurs that requires a time change of the Last Minute Flight, then the winner will be given the opportunity to reschedule the flight or select a different LMD.  If a schedule change occurs that cancels the Last Minute Flight, then the offer will be withdrawn and the winner shall have the opportunity to select a different LMD.
Please click here to view the full terms and conditions.

We would like to thank everyone who has helped make 2010 the most successful year yet for Blink.  The entire Blink team wishes you, your friends and your family a wonderful holiday season and a happy, healthy 2011.

Enjoy a little holiday message from Blink (which we suggest you watch in full screen mode):

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We’ve recently moved into our new offices at Blackbushe Airport.  Blackbushe is conveniently located about 45 minutes from central London. It is easily reachable by either train or car.

Just a few miles from Farnborough, Blackbushe offers extended weekend opening hours, and is a cost effective alternate to other London Airports.

Small and discrete, at Blackbushe you can be in the air just minutes after arriving at the airport.

Why not come down and see for yourself?  Our Flight Services team will be more than happy to show you around our new home.

We look forward to seeing you soon!

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Update: This special offer has expired
Click to view Blink’s current fare sales and special offers
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Blink to the Champions League and Europa League Group Stages

We’re offering special fares to the 2012-13 season Champions League and Europa League group stages. With Manchester United & Manchester City, Chelsea, Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur, Liverpool and Newcastle all competing for the most sought-after pieces of silverware in Europe, the season is hotting up!

Don’t miss any of the action, get there in style on your personal Blink Jet, and return the following morning.

Notes:

• Fares are valid only from the airports above for up to one-night return trips.
• Total price includes all landing and handling fees and overnight charges where applicable.
• Fares are valid for departure on the dates above, returning the following day.
• Fares do not include tickets or transport to any games or stadium.
• Fares are valid during standard airport opening hours. Requests that fall outside standard airport opening hours may be subject to extension fees or additional overnight charges, which are not included
• All fares are subject to availability of aircraft and crew at the time of booking
• Fuel stops may be required on some routes, depending upon passenger load

Please contact Blink Flight Services to book or learn more about this special offer. Online: Complete this form Phone: +44 (0)20 7199 1400 or +41 (0)22 592 75 77 Email: blink@flyblink.com