A UK airline operator has collapsed into administration, leading to a loss of 41 jobs. The entire fleet of UK chartered airline Zenith Aviation Limited has been grounded after suffering financial turbulence.
The London Biggin Hill–based company entered administration on May 15, and an administrator is now assessing whether the business can be restructured, rescued, or sold to a potential buyer. Described as a leading provider private jet charter, aircraft management, and engineering services across the UK and Europe, the company was incorporated in October 2010.
Paul Hargreaves, of Nexus Corporate Solutions Limited, was appointed administrator to the company which had its main base at London Biggin Hill.
The administrator said there was hope the business could be rescued or sold. He said: “I was appointed administrator of the company on May 15, 2026 by the director, and the company is in an insolvent position due to cashflow issues, debtors not paying, and historic ownership and management issues.
“It is unfortunate for the company and the former employees, however, we are assessing the assets of the company, assisting employees with claiming their statutory redundancy entitlements, and looking at options to include potential rescue, or buyout should that be appropriate.
“At this time we are still assessing the company’s position, and evaluating the options.”
The company was bought early last year by Opul Jets, which later relinquished control of the firm in December.
The acquisition had included Zenith’s UK‑issued Air Operator Certificate, its managed fleet of registered aircraft, and a fully accredited maintenance facility.
The development comes amid a wider rise in insolvencies, with new data released on Tuesday showing 2,085 registered company insolvencies in England and Wales in April 2026—an increase of 3% from 2,028 in the same month the previous year.
Scotland recorded 107 company insolvencies in April 2026, marking a 6% rise compared with April 2025.