A new class-leading aircraft made its debut at Birmingham Airport at a special event to showcase it in the region.

XLR Executive Jet Centre Birmingham hosted the Gulfstream G280 super-midsize business jet aircraft to guests and potential users.

The aircraft has a range in excess of 4,000 miles with the capability of flying non-stop from the UK to New York and the event was the first time this aircraft type has visited the Midlands region.

 The event was also an opportunity for XLR, which is the premium travel brand and subsidiary of Rigby Group plc, to promote its state-of-the-art executive jet centre in Birmingham.

Sir Peter Rigby, chairman of the Rigby Group, said: “We have an excellent relationship with Gulfstream and we were delighted to bring this world class aircraft to our XLR Executive Jet Centre Birmingham.

“The aircraft had travelled down from an event at our Jet Centre in Liverpool and completed the journey in just 17 minutes!”

Nick Barton, CEO at Birmingham Airport added: “We’re proud to have enabled the impressive G280 aircraft to be showcased in Birmingham, and to support our business partner, XLR, which plays a vital role in supporting executive flying for our region.”

Pictured (left to right): Nick Barton (Birmingham Airport), Gavin Thompson (Gulfstream), Sir Peter Rigby (Rigby Group plc).