In 2012, the Costa Smeralda, renowned as one of the world’s most famous tourist destinations celebrates its 50th anniversary. And now Eccelsa Aviation’s new terminal lies at its very heart. Just two kilometres away is the brand new Marina di Olbia, which accommodates yachts of all sizes and provides superbly discreet transfers to and from the airport. This is a unique plus as it is the only structure in the Mediterranean area offering the possibility to start your holiday on the Costa within a few minutes of touching down with no long drives in cars or helicopter hops.
Officially opened in June 2009, the new Eccelsa terminal is an architectural masterpiece in its own right; its clean, sleek lines seem to swoop skyward like giant wings. Relaxing in the cocoon-like comfort of the terminal your eyes will be drawn to its elegant lines and the beautifully designed natural and artificial lighting, which creates a sense of profound intimacy and relaxation. It’s a strange sensation indeed in an airport that caters for more than 40,000 passengers, who are all bound for what is often referred to as the world’s most beautiful sea.
Eccelsa Aviation really has embraced its role in this regard, combining sheer professionalism with that touch of special charm that comes from dealing with a constant flow of discerning, often celebrity clients. The highly efficient team headed by General Manager Francesco Cossu deals with a variety of ‘high demanding’ requests generated by in excess of 14,000 private jets movements every year. “Since the company was founded in 2002, our passenger numbers and plane movements have doubled, and with that the sheer variety of requests we find ourselves having to satisfy,” explains Cossu with a smile.
Numbers of a highly select kind of visitor to the Costa Smeralda are booming. These are folk that come here to chill out on super yachts or in the dreamily exclusive villas along the shore. The result of this discreet influx has been the building of the new terminal which now includes no less than 4,000sq m of retail heaven, including a plethora of luxury boutiques ranging from Royal Cashmere to luxury eye-wear brands, the best selection of typical Sardinian and Italian products, De Grisogono, Star Dusts jewellery and Ermenigildo Zegna.
At Eccelsa time is kept by Rolex and their beautiful watches can be seen on the walls.
Passengers too are thoroughly assisted by the Eccelsa Team and can cover distances between terminals in a sleek and superb Audi.
There’s also a quality restaurant, coffee shop, Crew Resting room and a conference hall. All glass and glittering design, the air terminal has one feature that makes it absolutely unique in Europe: a formidable outer wing that allows guests to enter and exit the terminal directly from their aircraft. This giant wing will provide shelter even to the big executive B737s and A319 and A320s. These are the nearest thing there is to an airborne villa you’ll find with hundreds of square metres of cabin space that can include three bedrooms, four or five bathrooms, a lounge and office.
The Olbia General Aviation was founded in 1989 by the Olbia Airport Management Company, Geasar, and virtually became an autonomous entity in 2003. Over the last eight years, it has doubled movements from less than 7,000 to over 14,000 aircraft per year. Naturally enough, July and August are the busiest months in the skies over Costa Smeralda.
Privacy and security are two of the qualities private aircraft passengers most appreciate about Eccelsa Aviation, winner of Business Destinations’ own Service Award. It’s just a very quick hop too by helicopter to any superyacht with a helipad from the Olbia terminal and many other passengers will also choose this way to travel to their villas or hotels. The whole process works like clockwork thanks to the undisputed skills and efficiency of Eccelsa’s highly motivated 40-strong team.
The terminal’s own concierge service will organise everything you’ll need to make your stay a perfect one: horse trekking, aircraft or helicopters, Ferrari or Aston Martin rentals, yacht charters, bare-boat or with a skipper and crew to do the work. Eccelsa will also provide in-flight catering offering a menu of 100 dishes ranging from simple sandwiches to mouth-watering lobster.
Needless to say, a wonderful and carefully selected array of local Sardinian and Italian foods and wines are available. The Meridiana Maintenance Team also offers first-class technical assistance on the ground and there are also integrated services for flight crews.
Air taxi companies and their crews are well catered for to boot, as these now make up quite a considerable proportion of the traffic coming into Olbia Costa Smeralda – up to 50 percent at times. Eccelsa Aviation is one of the reasons why people that want to holiday in a genuinely special place come back to Sardinia again and again. A place where friendliness, quality and a first-class service are all part of our nature.
For more information visit www.eccelsa.com
