Business end: The charter service targets the quality market

The new executive terminal which has now opened up has helped the company attract Welsh business travellers who used to drive over the Severn Bridge to use its facilities at Filton Airport, in Bristol.

Malcolm Humphries, chief pilot and director of Capital Trading Aviation, said: "Cardiff is the place to be. It has a real buzz and is attractive to companies who want cost-effective and fast travel."

Barely four weeks into opening up their charter service, Capital has already operated eight business flights out of Cardiff.

The firm also hopes to create a market for holiday day-trips to places such as the Channel Islands and short haul charter leisure jaunts to Europe, offering an almost door-to-door service by air.

High flyers: The service is aiming to land business people

Captain Humphries said: "The executive terminal has made a big difference to charters. Customers can park at the terminal and go straight on to the aircraft without going through the delays and crowds at the public terminal.

"And from Cardiff we can reach any one of 75 different regional airports in the UK, getting businessmen closer to where they want to go, and a lot faster than using overcrowded roads.

"We also can reach 250-300 European airports within a 1200 mile flight path. So, for example, if you want to go to Cardiff's twin city Nantes, we get you there in an hour-and-a-half from Cardiff."

Taking off: Business charter flights from the Welsh capital

Capital Trading Aviation, which is Cardiff owned, has a fleet of 12 planes catering from five to 12 passengers.

Each has facilities to hold meetings on the plane, has a fully-stocked bar and a full catering service.

"This sort of service is cost effective to the businessman in terms of time saved and also avoids the wear-and-tear of travel," said Captain Humprhies.

Cardiff Chamber of Commerce chairman Frank Moloney praised the company's decision to operate out of Cardiff.

He said: "It is a testimony to the fact that south Wales has such a strong and diverse range of businesses to serve."

The new executive terminal facilities at Cardiff International Airport add to its growing reputation as the fastest-growing airport in the UK, according to recently-issued Civil Aviation Authority figures.

'Strategy'

Passenger numbers between November 2002 and April 2003, soared by 47%, making it a record winter season for the airport. In total, over 6000,000 business and leisure passengers used its network of schedule and charter services.

The airport's managing director Jon Horne said: "These latest figures are testimony to the fact that our development strategy is beginning to pay off.

"In addition to a well-established south Wales market, we are seeing signs of new passengers from the south west and south Midlands as both business and leisure travellers from these regions begin to recognise Cardiff as a real alternative to other regions."