More than 50 aircraft were placed on the new Isle of Man (IoM) aircraft registry in its first year, significantly more than originally planned. The new system, using the M- prefix, was launched on May 1, 2007, with a conservative estimate of registering up to 12 corporate jets and helicopters in the first year. However, by the time it celebrated its first anniversary, 51 aircraft had taken-up M- markings.
“The number is all the more impressive when you consider that we have turned down a similar number of aircraft, including historic war planes and light aircraft, which did not meet our business plan,” revealed the Hon David Cretney, Minister for Trade and Industry.