Charter specialist Air Partner today said a surge in business from the Presidential election had helped its US division return to the black.

The Gatwick-based firm, which hires out aircraft to customers ranging from governments to celebrities, said "notable business" on the Republican campaign trail and a series of cost-cutting measures boosted the division.

A significant increase in the popularity of business jets also contributed to a 29.7% hike in pre-tax profits to £3.7 million across the group, which continued its recovery from tough industry conditions.

Air Partner became the first aviation company to be granted a royal warrant from the Queen last December, entitling it to display the Royal Arms together with the words "By Appointment".

The company, which has 115 staff working in 10 countries, has also flown the Real Madrid football team and takes relief teams to disaster-hit regions.

Chief executive David Savile said Air Partner had been carrying groups of between 100 and 150 journalists on planes following President Bush's Air Force One jet.

He said: "You couldn't let everyone run round down to the local airport, buy a ticket and then follow him, it just wouldn't work."