BackAn experienced team with a fresh approach, Equinox provides exceptional aircraft charter and travel services. This is our story.
EQUINOX RISING
A cohesive service, a lighter administrative load, efficiency, reliability and dedicated 24/7 support.
The idea for Equinox came during the pandemic when our founders, all experienced TMC leaders, discussed together what the ultimate travel management company might look like.
They asked, what if specialist travel was reinvented for the way people want to travel post pandemic – providing everything in house and delivering a highly personalised approach?
Fast forward to 2021. Equinox Charter and Equinox Travel launched with a highly experienced team of specialists, each team member bringing something unique to the table, ready to serve the pent up demand for travel after the restrictions of Covid.
Together, the unique and ready position to provide both private charter and commercial travel to various sectors of which each team member specialised, was engaged, and a new kind of Equinox began.
OUR VISION
Finding the right aircraft – at the right price – creating multi-leg itineraries and then organising the ancillaries: cargo, hotels, transfers, ground transport and more, can be challenging. But it doesn’t have to be.
Equinox is the bespoke travel service that does it all. Charter and travel. Solutions and support. With elevated customer service.
We’re proud to look after tours and travel for artists, bands, film studios, major household names, organisations large & small and sports stars. Our people go above and beyond to deliver an effortless, seamless travel experience with swift access to charter flights and everything that goes alongside, for every single client.
That’s why we created an integrated aircraft charter and travel hub, where we do it all, so you don’t have to.
Our Team
Elliot Bottomley
Ian Patterson
Glen Duckworth
Trevor Johnson
Gio Manzella
Jasper Redsell
Garreth Horrocks
Christian Foster
Founder and experienced artist management and logistics specialist, Elliot heads the Equinox Charter team of sector specialists.
Choice of Aircraft: Embraer Phenom 300E – for style and versatility.
Formerly MD at ETTravel and COO of a large multinational TMC, founder Ian is co-CEO of Equinox.
Choice of Aircraft: Bombardier Global 7500 – for range and comfort.
Founder of ETTravel in 1997 and co-founder of Equinox, Glen works with a portfolio of artists, bands, corporate customers and VIPs.
Choice of Aircraft: Boeing B737 VIP config – ultimate in travel for large group travel.
With 25+ years travel management experience, Trevor delivers operational and commercial oversight.
Choice of Aircraft: Falcon 2000LXS – the only heavy with 10 forwards-rear facing seats and
no side facing divan.
Vast experience, including commercial airline and private aircraft operations. Our safe pair of hands for charter management.
Choice of Aircraft: Gulfstream G650 – for long range performance and the epitome of luxury.
Gio, tell us about your career. Where did it all start?
My aviation career started with a cabin crew role with EasyJet, where I began to hone my skills in providing exceptional in-flight experiences. Then followed a move to TUI as a Resort Team Leader in Europe, Assistant Hotel Manager, and Airport Duty Manager. I oversaw hotel operations, managed flights at overseas airports, and ensured guests’ well-being in-resort.
I returned to flying with Virgin and then moved into an Operations role there. This involved monitoring potential disruptions and supporting teams at the airport, in sales, and in resorts globally: managing complaints, running investigations, and leading emergency procedures if needed.
One of the highlights of that time was being awarded a trip on the inaugural Virgin flight to Seattle. It was an incredible experience, and I got to talk to Richard Branson himself. The encounter was a personal honour and a testament to the commitment I try to bring to every aspect of my work in the travel industry.
I’ve been fortunate to witness many changes in the industry over the years and develop my professional journey alongside those changes. At every stage of my career I’ve been passionate about solving problems effectively while delivering outstanding customer service. I’m very proud of that – and have even won some awards for it!
Tell us something we don’t know about you.
I’ve always loved helping people, so working in the Emergency Services was a huge interest of mine.
Working in the Emergency Services, I learnt many life lessons: how to stand up for people who weren’t able to do it for themselves, how to overcome fear, how to find the truth, and how to bring justice when needed. I also learned no matter how much the world may feel against you, you’re never alone.
The Emergency Services gave me a unique opportunity to expand and extend my professional skills. The leadership, investigative and crisis resolution skills I developed during my tenure are now very beneficial when managing flight ops at Equinox Charter.
Tell us about some Equinox highlights.
One of the standout moments from the past year was the opportunity to collaborate closely on a music artist’s tour. This project required meticulous coordination with the airline, and attention to every detail was paramount.
The logistics of the tour posed a unique challenge, especially when physical oversight on every flight wasn’t possible. Nonetheless, navigating these intricacies and ensuring a seamless execution added an extra layer of accomplishment to the experience.
What is your role at Equinox Charter?
As Operations Manager, my role is a dynamic blend of responsibility, creative thinking and attention to detail, focused on delivering unparalleled service and support to our clients.
From the moment a booking is confirmed to the final touchdown, my commitment is to orchestrate a seamless and exceptional experience for our client.
Whether coordinating intricate logistics, ensuring regulatory compliance or managing unforeseen challenges, my role encompasses the entire spectrum of operations. I thrive on the diversity and challenge.
If our clients can envision it, my mission is to fulfil it.
What’s the best and worst of the role?
Challenges can include weather disruptions, airport closures, and unforeseen external factors that can significantly impact our operations and customers. So in our planning, we look ahead to mitigate potential disruptions and ensure safe and timely charter services as much as possible.
The best is working in this industry – I can’t ever imagine hearing an aircraft above me and not looking up what it is and where it’s going – and of course, seeing our clients come back to us again and again.
Jasper, tell us about your career. Where did it all start?
I started my career in the Music Industry, working across Booking Agencies and Record Labels before moving move into Artist Management. Part of my role was organising clients travel, and with their success, Private Jets. When I felt the time was right for a change, a had an opportunity to make the move into Private Aviation with the company I used to book through! The rest they say, is history.
Tell us something we don’t know about you.
I have an absolutely bonkers cocker spaniel called Roscoe who is my pride & joy!
What is your favourite aircraft?
Dassault Falcon 900LX. An incredibly efficient aircraft combining range with performance and is one of the best available aircraft to perform in challenging conditions, making it very versatile over other jets in its class.
What is your role at Equinox Charter?
I’m the Operations Executive and oversee all aspects of the flight from once it’s confirmed, to when it departs. Working with the clients as their all-round point of contact and ensuring they are getting the best service possible.
What’s the best and worst of the role?
Having an incredibly supportive team around you always helps, however some of the extremely early morning flights can be a bit restrictive on catching your z’s!
Choice of Aircraft – Gulfstream G650. A pinnacle of luxury, featuring a spacious, light-filled cabin and exceptional performance.
Our Team
Elliot Bottomley
Founder and experienced artist management and logistics specialist, Elliot heads the Equinox Charter team of sector specialists.
Choice of Aircraft: Embraer Phenom 300E – for style and versatility.
Ian Patterson
Formerly MD at ETTravel and COO of a large multinational TMC, founder Ian is co-CEO of Equinox.
Choice of Aircraft: Bombardier Global 7500 – for range and comfort.
Glen Duckworth
Founder of ETTravel in 1997 and co-founder of Equinox, Glen works with a portfolio of artists, bands, corporate customers and VIPs.
Choice of Aircraft: Boeing B737 VIP config – ultimate in travel for large group travel.
Trevor Johnson
With 25+ years travel management experience, Trevor delivers operational and commercial oversight.
Choice of Aircraft: Falcon 2000LXS – the only heavy with 10 forwards-rear facing seats and
no side facing divan.
Gio Manzella
Vast experience, including commercial airline and private aircraft operations. Our safe pair of hands for charter management.
Choice of Aircraft: Gulfstream G650 – for long range performance and the epitome of luxury.
Gio, tell us about your career. Where did it all start?
My aviation career started with a cabin crew role with EasyJet, where I began to hone my skills in providing exceptional in-flight experiences. Then followed a move to TUI as a Resort Team Leader in Europe, Assistant Hotel Manager, and Airport Duty Manager. I oversaw hotel operations, managed flights at overseas airports, and ensured guests’ well-being in-resort.
I returned to flying with Virgin and then moved into an Operations role there. This involved monitoring potential disruptions and supporting teams at the airport, in sales, and in resorts globally: managing complaints, running investigations, and leading emergency procedures if needed.
One of the highlights of that time was being awarded a trip on the inaugural Virgin flight to Seattle. It was an incredible experience, and I got to talk to Richard Branson himself. The encounter was a personal honour and a testament to the commitment I try to bring to every aspect of my work in the travel industry.
I’ve been fortunate to witness many changes in the industry over the years and develop my professional journey alongside those changes. At every stage of my career I’ve been passionate about solving problems effectively while delivering outstanding customer service. I’m very proud of that – and have even won some awards for it!
Tell us something we don’t know about you.
I’ve always loved helping people, so working in the Emergency Services was a huge interest of mine.
Working in the Emergency Services, I learnt many life lessons: how to stand up for people who weren’t able to do it for themselves, how to overcome fear, how to find the truth, and how to bring justice when needed. I also learned no matter how much the world may feel against you, you’re never alone.
The Emergency Services gave me a unique opportunity to expand and extend my professional skills. The leadership, investigative and crisis resolution skills I developed during my tenure are now very beneficial when managing flight ops at Equinox Charter.
Tell us about some Equinox highlights.
One of the standout moments from the past year was the opportunity to collaborate closely on a music artist’s tour. This project required meticulous coordination with the airline, and attention to every detail was paramount.
The logistics of the tour posed a unique challenge, especially when physical oversight on every flight wasn’t possible. Nonetheless, navigating these intricacies and ensuring a seamless execution added an extra layer of accomplishment to the experience.
What is your role at Equinox Charter?
As Operations Manager, my role is a dynamic blend of responsibility, creative thinking and attention to detail, focused on delivering unparalleled service and support to our clients.
From the moment a booking is confirmed to the final touchdown, my commitment is to orchestrate a seamless and exceptional experience for our client.
Whether coordinating intricate logistics, ensuring regulatory compliance or managing unforeseen challenges, my role encompasses the entire spectrum of operations. I thrive on the diversity and challenge.
If our clients can envision it, my mission is to fulfil it.
What’s the best and worst of the role?
Challenges can include weather disruptions, airport closures, and unforeseen external factors that can significantly impact our operations and customers. So in our planning, we look ahead to mitigate potential disruptions and ensure safe and timely charter services as much as possible.
The best is working in this industry – I can’t ever imagine hearing an aircraft above me and not looking up what it is and where it’s going – and of course, seeing our clients come back to us again and again.
Jasper Redsell
Jasper, tell us about your career. Where did it all start?
I started my career in the Music Industry, working across Booking Agencies and Record Labels before moving move into Artist Management. Part of my role was organising clients travel, and with their success, Private Jets. When I felt the time was right for a change, a had an opportunity to make the move into Private Aviation with the company I used to book through! The rest they say, is history.
Tell us something we don’t know about you.
I have an absolutely bonkers cocker spaniel called Roscoe who is my pride & joy!
What is your favourite aircraft?
Dassault Falcon 900LX. An incredibly efficient aircraft combining range with performance and is one of the best available aircraft to perform in challenging conditions, making it very versatile over other jets in its class.
What is your role at Equinox Charter?
I’m the Operations Executive and oversee all aspects of the flight from once it’s confirmed, to when it departs. Working with the clients as their all-round point of contact and ensuring they are getting the best service possible.
What’s the best and worst of the role?
Having an incredibly supportive team around you always helps, however some of the extremely early morning flights can be a bit restrictive on catching your z’s!
Garreth Horrocks
Choice of Aircraft – Gulfstream G650. A pinnacle of luxury, featuring a spacious, light-filled cabin and exceptional performance.
