Sarah Rose (they/them) is a news writer and reporter for AIN. 
Prior to AIN, Sarah worked as a journalist for Georgia Public Broadcasting, Georgia&#039;s statewide NPR and PBS affiliate. They have also worked for several national nonprofits and as a legislative assistant in U.S. Congress. As an openly nonbinary reporter, they are a proud member of the Trans Journalists Association. 
Sarah is a 2012 graduate of Kennesaw State University.

News Writer

Sarah Rose

Global air charter broker Smart Aviation is marking its 20th anniversary this year. Over the past two decades, the company has flown thousands of passengers to major football championship finals, organized pilgrimages for passengers annually to Lourdes, and brokered aircraft, crew, maintenance, and insurance (ACMI) leasing agreements. Additionally, Smart Aviation has transported more than a million business and leisure passengers on private jets and helicopters worldwide.
Established in October 2005, the company was founded by managing director Mark Hawkins, a veteran in sports charter operations with over three decades of experience in the travel and aviation sectors.&nbsp;“As a company, we are trusted, not only by our loyal clients but by our staff, many of whom have been with me since the very beginning. We have welcomed four new members in the last six months due to a period of accelerated growth, so I am excited to see what the next 20 years holds for Smart Aviation,” he said.
In 2024, Smart Aviation experienced a surge in ACMI bookings during January and February, defying seasonal trends typically seen during the winter scheduling period. The company successfully executed a major charter operation for the Guinness Six Nations Rugby Championship, transporting nearly 4,000 fans across Europe.
Between April and October, Smart completed its 19th consecutive year of charter services to Lourdes, flying over 40,000 worshippers. During the 2024 Summer Olympics, Smart facilitated VIP and team charter flights to Paris. In May, the company supported fans traveling to major sporting finals, including the European Rugby Champions Cup and UEFA tournaments. Its VIP charter team also managed exclusive private jet bookings for the Monaco Grand Prix, including luxury transfers for high-profile clients.
In August, Smart brokered a significant ACMI partnership between Air Arabia Maroc and GetJet Airlines, securing a Latvia-registered Airbus A320 to address the late delivery of an aircraft. The year also saw the appointment of Matt Feldon as head of charter, a new position.
Reflecting on the company’s journey, Hawkins noted the challenges faced during the Covid pandemic, a difficult period for the aviation industry.&nbsp;“[It] was a particularly difficult time for the aviation industry, but we bounced back and continue to offer the highest level of service and cost-effective solutions that our clients expect to receive from us,” he said.

News and issues concerning the aviation charter and fractional-ownership industries and markets, including company announcements, regulations, new developments and labor issues.

Smart Aviation Marks 20 Years of Flights

Company has flown 40,000 people to Lourdes

Smart Aviation, a global aircraft and private jet charter company, will mark its 20th anniversary in 2025. 

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Issues regarding financing of aircraft; aviation insurance; tax issues for aircraft operators; new companies and people in the aviation financing and insurance industries.

News and issues relating to business, corporate and private aviation, primarily regarding turbine-engine-powered airplanes and helicopters. Subjects include aircraft, engines, maintenance, operations, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security, and training.

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News and issues concerning general aviation, specifically airplanes and helicopters powered by piston and alternative engines (i.e., non-turbine powered aircraft). Subjects include aircraft, engines, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security and training.

Artificial intelligence helps customers navigate the charter landscape

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New developments at FBOs including regulations and noise issues; legal disputes; openings, acquisitions and mergers.

Hong Kong-based group has established a new headquarters in Dubai

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Charter operator logged record flight hours over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend

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News and developments about airplanes, helicopters and unmanned air vehicles used in all varieties of operations, including airlines, military, business, commercial, general aviation and private.

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