The brother of former XL boss Phil Wyatt has become a director of Meridian Aviation, the company behind new seat-only operator Kiss Flights.

Jim Wyatt, who was appointed a director on October 28, insisted that despite the family link his brother was not involved in Kiss, a trading name of Meridian.

He hit back at industry speculation that it was established as a “parachute operation” for his brother. “I know what people say but I know the facts and he is not involved,” he said.

“He is my brother and he always will be. Phil is not involved in Kiss or Meridian and that’s it.”

Jim Wyatt was the founder in 1994 of Sabre Airways, which became Excel and later XL Airways. He is also a director of aircraft leasing business Ace Leasing.

He said he became involved with Meridian because of his 30 years’ experience and because he had previously worked with Andre Cachia, another Meridian director.

According to Meridian’s accounts for the year to the end of March 2008, Cachia and director Graham Rolph, Phil Wyatt’s brother-in-law,  were paid a total of £2.8 million. (TTG October 24).

Meanwhile, an official report into the collapse of XL has been delayed by a month after administrators Kroll asked for more time. It said the case was complex as it involved 350,000 creditors.

The administrators’ report was due on November 7, but Kroll has been given High Court permission to put it back to December 4.

Once the report is released, it will be followed by a creditors’ meeting on December 18.