A YORK-based company which specialises in providing private jets and helicopters is launching a new music and entertainment division.

In what the company has described as a first for the private charter industry, FlyMeNow is creating the division this spring to cater for electronic artists and DJs.

The new division for the Abbotsway-based business will be headed up by FlyMeNow’s recently appointed commercial manager Elliot Bottomley, whose background is based around the music and entertainment industry having worked for more than a decade with DJs and artists such as Carl Cox and John Digweed, as part of the management and booking agency, Safehouse Management.

Andrew Whitney, director at FlyMeNow, which was launched in 2007, said: "Elliot's decade of experience with Safehouse, who manage many leading international acts, spans every aspect of our business. He understands how demanding an artist’s schedule can be and how crucial the planning stage is with such tight itineraries.

“Elliot has a wealth of experience in artist management, bookings and marketing.

"All of these vital skills and experience can be transferred to his new role at FlyMeNow. I’m delighted to have Elliot on board.”

Mr Bottomley said: “I’m excited to take on this new role at FlyMeNow.

"The company has built up an outstanding reputation for quality and service, which is something that I intend to build on with the launch of this new division. I’m looking forward to the opportunities and challenges ahead.”

FlyMeNow has already built up a reputation across the music, entertainment and sport sectors, specialising in private jet and helicopter transport for globally recognised artists and events.

Mr Whitney said: “It’s an incredibly exciting time for FlyMeNow, focusing on tour management will cement us as the go-to private jet broker for top talent managers looking to take the strain out of diverse artist schedules.

“It’s all about exceeding client expectations that requires a relentless focus on understanding the client’s.

“Our experience and in depth knowledge of the private charter industry, backed by sector specialists such as Elliot, puts us ahead of our competitors.

"With business confidence returning, we see opportunities for growth across all sectors. 2014 is proving to be a year of opportunity for us.”