Chalair Aviation: airline company

Chalair Aviation is a French national airline which was founded in 1986. This business aviation company has 14 aircraft in its fleet, and is one of France’s leading national airlines for inter-regional flights. The company has a wide range of models, allowing it to operate in a variety of fields. We tell you all about this scheduled airline.

History of Chalair Aviation

Today, the airline is based in :

in Lower Normandy, at Caen-Carpiquet airport
but also at Limoges-Bellegarde (international airport)
Bordeaux
Quimper-Bretagne.

But let’s look back at some of the key dates.

October 1986: Creation of the new civil aviation company Chalair Aviation by a former pilot, Philippe Lebaron. He began his career as CEO with several aircraft models. Until 1990, he first used a Cessna 3102, then a Beechcraft King Air and finally a Fairchild-Swearingen Metroliner. With his air taxi business, he gradually set up new air routes such as Caen-Lyon.
90s: As well as establishing regular routes from Toussus-le-Noble to Avignon, the company’s business expanded to include Cherbourg – Paris Orly and Le Mans – Eindhoven.
April 1996: Death of Philippe Lebaron
2003: In financial difficulty following the death of Philippe Lebaron, but also because of the repercussions of the 11 September 2001 attacks, his wife sold the company to Alain Battisti. This left the company with just 2 aircraft.
2004: A new Beech 1900 belongs to the airline. The Deauville-London route became a reality.
2007: The company continues to grow, and now has 9 aircraft. Staff numbers increase and other long-haul routes are opened.
2011: Chalair Aviation pushes the boundaries and flies internationally, particularly in Africa.
2020: The company becomes a partner with Air France.
17 March 2020 – 1 June 2020: Due to the health crisis, the company has to suspend all its flights, apart from its PSOs (Public Service Obligations).

The business of Chalair Aviation

This business aviation company serves many cities. As a result, a large number of flights are booked every day throughout the year. These private flights are direct and non-stop, and their number increases during the summer period, when there are more flights on offer. Numerous connections between cities are possible, both one-way and round-trip.

Destinations with daily connections from :

Limoges
Paris Orly (and the Paris airport group)
Lyon
Brest
Bordeaux
Quimper
Montpellier
La Rochelle
Nantes

Destinations opened in summer by the airline Chalair Aviation :

However, for a tailor-made business flight, select your flight times and desired destinations. This isn’t first class, or even business class, you get the whole private jet for you and your team, for your scheduled flights, your short-haul or even long-haul flights!

In addition to business aviation, the company is also authorised to carry out medical evacuations, and can charter group flights . It can also handle air freight (cargo).

What theyall have in common is that they hire and privatise aircraft with qualified flight crews who have Public Transport accreditation.

Chalair Aviation’s fleet of aircraft

Like all airlines, you need to be equipped to carry passengers.

As a mode of air transport, the company has chosen to equip itself with 5 different aircraft models, with the aim of adapting to the market and meeting as many demands as possible.

Beechcraft 1900D

The company owns 8 Beechcraft 1900 D. This turboprop can seat 19 passengers.

It is ideal for group flights on classic routes. Chalair Aviation offers short-haulflights with this aircraft.

This aircraft is also used for air freight and medical evacuations.

Finally, it has the advantage of being able to land on short runways and therefore have access to many more airports, unlike commercial routes.

Beechcraft 1900C

This private jet joins the Chalair Aviation fleet. It is the predecessor of the Beech 1900D.

They have approximately the same properties, apart from one distinguishing feature: the much lower cabin height. The Beech 1900C is 1.45 m high, compared with 1.86 m for the 1900D.

ATR 42-320 and ATR 42-500

Chalair Aviation has one ATR 42-320 and three ATR 42-500.

These are twin turboprops capable of carrying 48 passengers.

The 42-320 is an improved version of the 42-300, with more powerful engines.

The range also evolved, with the launch of the ATR 42-500. It stands out from its predecessors thanks to improvements to previous models (new 6-blade propellers, better performance, etc.).

ATR 72-500

This is the latest aircraft to be added to the airline’s fleet.

It is once again a turboprop. This aircraft can seat up to 78 passengers.

This model of business jet is suitable for short flights, but also for medium-haul routes. It is the stretched version of the ATR 42.

Plan your trip with Chalair Aviation

Useful information about luggage

Before your first flight with Chalair Aviation, there are certain rules to be observed regarding baggage transport.

For hand baggage to be accepted in the cabin, it must not weigh more than 10 kg. With regard to dimensions, the sum of width, length and height must be less than or equal to 115 cm.

There is, however, a specific case for journeys by Beech 1900D, where hand baggage is limited to 6 kilos. Otherwise, your baggage will be placed in the hold.

Hold baggage is free if it is checked in and weighs no more than 15 kg. Each additional kilo is charged at €5 on top of the ticket price at the airport.

To find out about the policy for extra baggage, please contact the airline directly.

What documents do I need to travel with Chalair Aviation?

You can book a cheap flight online on the airline’s website .

Once you havemade your reservations, you will receive an electronic boarding pass by e-mail. You will need to present it when boarding.

You should also bring valid identification with you.

Please note that the boarding deadline is 30 minutes before the flight.

Plan to arrive a little earlier at your departure airport for a smooth journey.

Join the Chalair Aviation frequent flyer programme

The airline is a partner of the Air France Flying Blue programme.

Like millions of other passengers, you can earn miles and benefits every time you book a scheduled or last-minute flight, and benefit from cheap airfares. Ideal for comparing prices.

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AEROAFFAIRES charters a private flight with Chalair Aviation

Would you like to fly with Chalair Aviation? At AEROAFFAIRES, we can choose the airlines you require. Quickly fill in our online quote form, or contact us on +33 (0)1 44 09 91 82 and book your flight!