Executive Airlines plans to expand at the double Executive Airlines ...

EUROPEAN
BUSINESS AIR NEWS
Lufthansa jet
move highlights
airline focus
on first-class
Major European airlines are
expanding private jet capacity to
compete against charter companies
and retain first-class passengers.
Lufthansa is acquiring two CJ3s
and two XLS+ adding to a previous
order for four of the CJ1+. Scheduled
for delivery between March 2008 and
mid-2009 they will operate in the
Lufthansa private jet fleet which
provides point-to-point flights
among 1,000 destinations in Europe
and Russia. But the target is to have a
total of nine corporate jets operating
within one year.
KLM, the Dutch subsidiary of Air
France-KLM has investigated the
potential for a VLJ service. It is among
several other airlines that have
considered the benefit of a private
charter arm. And JetAlliance, the
Vienna-based charter operator,
reports rising demand for the services
of Austrian Business Jet, its private jet
service connecting clients’ chosen
journey starting points to Austrian
Airlines' intercontinental flights.
Lufthansa says the private jet
service offers Lufthansa and Swiss
long-haul flights exclusive, seamless
travel to onward regional airports.
Analysts say that there is an
established trend for companies to
commit resources to the high-end of
the market – in partnership or on
their own account. Goodwood Travel,
for example, which ceased trading
after the retirement of Concorde
in 2003, will now use Twinjet’s
34-seat A319, for high-end tourism
connoisseurs prepared to pay £14,950
per person.
Raphael Bejar, Airsavings’ ceo
comments: “Lufthansa is continuing
its strategy of catering to exclusive
clientele that desire more autonomy
in terms of scheduling and services.
It first offered business class only
trans-atlantic flights and then
subcontracted Netjets to provide
additional services to first class
passengers arriving into Europe.”
Job of the Month
Captains with
AirGo Flugservice
See page 15
Execujet launches fractional
programme page 3
EBAN reveals the top
Corporate Air shares
success handling storycompanies page 4
G650 aims in Europe to prove big –
is beautiful as voted by you page 5
Greek See goddess pages combination 10-21
targets SAR page 6
RAE needs more Metroliner
For details of how to enter, see page 3.
and CJ1 pilots page 7
SPECIAL FOCUSES
This month's charter review
reports on Germany page 8-10
Special focus on Aircraft
Management For details of how to enter, see page page 12 3.
ISSUE 180 APRIL 2008
Executive Airlines, which plans to more than double its fleet to 28 jets, is one of two firms granted licences to manage the corporate aviation terminal at Barcelona's El Prat airport.
Pictured (left to right at the front) are: Jose Vazquez, Fernando Viejo, ceo Juli López and Roger Marsal. Left to right on the aircraft steps are Marisol Sierra and Patricio Zunino, FBO
director and commercial director. Full story - page 13.
Ocean Sky thinks big as it makes
plans for 20-strong fleet
London-based Ocean Sky is
thinking big as it takes steps to
minimise the effects of any global
recession while expanding its fleet
and European operational base.
The company is assessing FBO
acquisitions in continental Europe
as it pursues its commercial target
to turn the current seven large jets
in service into a fleet of 20 by the
end of 2009. “We have recently
taken delivery for management of a
factory fresh G550 and this is going
to be the first aircraft of its type on a
British AOC,” Kurosh Tehranchian,
Ocean Sky ceo, says. “This follows
hard on the heels of a managed
Global 5000.”
Two Challenger 605s, both
owned by Ocean Sky, are also
coming into service mid-April,
augmented by an Ocean Sky XRS
being delivered in June.
But despite continued rapid
progress in establishing a European
FBO network and heightening
maintenance capacity, Ocean
Sky says it is prepared for any
downturn in demand. Detailed
market analyses confirm that
Executive Airlines plans
to expand at the double
Tehranchian: thinking big.
demand for large jets is likely to
be the sector that best weathers
any recessionary downturn and
slackening in demand for private
aviation services.
Tehranchian says: “Those
individuals who use the larger jets
tend to do so as part of a lifestyle
decision that holds good even in the
event of an economic slowdown or
even a recession. Users of smaller
jets at the lower end of the market,
however, are more prone to review
their mode of transport if budgets
become tighter.” He adds: “Ocean
Sky is confident that the demand
for the comfortable big jets
with range will remain robust – it
is common knowledge that
Russia and the Middle East are
among burgeoning markets with
India and China to follow – but we
are far from complacent.”
Ocean Sky also believes it is
sensible to have a high proportion
of company-owned aircraft.
“Owners of managed aircraft can
sell and charter if they want to
address cash flow,” Tehranchian
points out.
“I think we are riding the crest of
a fantastic wave but no-one should
take anything for granted especially
given the troubles in some sectors of
the global financial system. If there
is a downturn, there’s no doubt that
the private jet sector will be
affected. But, as a growing group, we
are well placed and operate tight
financial disciplines. We meet our
running costs out of income and
borrowing is confined to capital
Continued on page 3.
For fuel, ground services and all your trip arrangements
CONTACT dispatch@avcard.com
British Royals
lose long haul
private jet fleet
The British Royal family and
government ministers will have to
limit their exclusive private aircraft use
to trips within the U.K.
The government has decided to axe
the Royal Flight's long haul capacity.
Jim Fitzpatrick, aviation minister,
says: “This approach ensures better
value for money for the taxpayer whilst
also minimising the environmental
impact of royal and ministerial air
travel, producing an estimated 10 per
cent saving on CO2 emissions.”
Fitzpatrick believes their needs
“can best be met through procuring a
small aircraft for official travel within
the U.K., chartered air services for
longer journeys involving small parties
and a continuation of existing
arrangements with U.K. airlines for
journeys involving large parties.”
The Royal Household will be
responsible for future private aircraft
acquisitions. The new arrangements
are expected to be in place when the
service currently provided by 32 (The
Royal) Squadron is withdrawn on 1
April 2009.

EUROPEAN BUSINESS AIR NEWS
Execujet launches ‘new style’ fractional programme
as it expands capacity with U.K. base and fleet
Execujet plans to rapidly expand its
management fleet after gaining a U.K.
AOC and enhancing its London base.
Gerrit Basson, group md, says: “The
AOC and the opening of an exclusive
passenger lounge at London City at
the end of July represent our first two
major steps into the U.K. which is a
strategically important market for our
European operations.”
Headquartered in Zurich, Execujet
quickly established a managed fleet of
two aircraft, including a Falcon 900,
immediately after gaining its U.K.
AOC in February. “We are ratifying
management contracts for further
aircraft that will be available for third
party charter,” says Basson.
John Brutnell, who heads up
Execujet’s operations from London
City's Jet Centre, points out that the
lounge, although accessed from the
centre, will have its own airside
access. In addition to the lounge,
Execujet is opening a U.K. sales office
in nearby Canary Wharf, executive
director group sales Andrew Hoy and
executive sales director Troy Forsyth
will be based.
The U.K. expansion comes as
Execujet launches a Simply Fly
programme targeted at what it
believes is a growing demand in
emerging markets outside the U.K.
and the large number of fractional
owners that wish to upgrade. Simply
Fly, says Execujet ceo Niall Olver,
acquires, operates and ultimately
disposes of aircraft, providing fixed
operating costs for the owner, who,
unlike in a fractional programme, own
the aircraft itself.
By adding the finance of the
aircraft to other aircraft management
packages already on offer, and by
flying the aircraft to commercial
standards on Execujet's own AOCs,
the company claims that it has
considerably simplified the process of
owning an aircraft.
Ocean Sky thinks big as it
implements plans for 20-strong
fleet by end of 2009
Continued from page 1
acquisitions of assets such as
aircraft and facilities. We know this
will stand us in very good stead if
leaner times are ahead.”
Ocean Sky believes the VLJ
market in Europe will be buoyant
but has decided not to join
operators acquiring the likes of
Phenoms and Mustangs. However,
its offering of three Learjet 45s, a
Learjet 60 and a CJ3 will be added to,
albeit at a slower pace in keeping
with its “think big” strategy.”
The company, which has
quadrupled its FBO facilities at
Prestwick in Scotland, has
completed its “own branding” of its
Manchester FBO acquisition and its
integrated maintenance and
hangarage facilities, and is now
turning serious attention to Europe.
Tehranchian says: “We have
offices in Moscow, Munich and
Zurich and offer private jet charter,
management, sales, acquisitions,
handling and maintenance at the
former Northern Executive Aviation
(NEA) site. Manchester is an
important step in building a chain
of well-respected FBOs. But to fulfill
our ambition of being a fully
integrated aviation company we
need a strong and strategic
continental European FBO
presence. We are not yet ready to
make any further acquisition
announcements but I can confirm
we are assessing the merits of
certain airport locations in detail.”
Niall Olver ceo of Execujet Aviation Group with Gerrit Basson, group md Execujet and Andrew Hoy, executive director group sales,
explain the new Simply Fly fractional programme at its London launch .
Two types of finance will be
available. One is an embedded
operating lease, which, for most
countries, offers off balance sheet
financing, with no residual payment
at the end of a typical five year
contract. The other is an embedded
long term finance lease, which has a
higher deposit and the option to
acquire the aircraft outright at the end
of the term. Financing is being offered
through Execujet's sister company
QED Equity.
Olver told the product launch in
London that Simply Fly is being
targeted as a premium product, with a
cost base calculated on 600 hours per
annum usage. Customer can opt to
have the aircraft chartered through
Execujet's charter division to offset
the operating costs and Execujet will
also provide up to 100 hours of
alternative lift for scheduled
maintenance downtime.
The aircraft will be insured, crewed
maintained and operated by Execujet,
based where the customer wants and
the initial fleet will be wide bodied,
drawing on Execujet’s sales agencies
in 37 countries with Bombardier. Two
pre-owned Challenger 604s will be
acquired to commence operations,
which is currently scheduled for
September 2008. Global Express,
Highland Airways turns to
Jetstream 41s for blue chips
Highland Airways has ordered two
Jetstream 41s to facilitate rising
demand for corporate and ad hoc
charter services. The aircraft
will replace two leased smaller
Jetstream 31s and will represent a
significant upgrade in the company
offering and result in a corporate
fleet of 12 aircraft.
A 12-month contract is lined up
for one aircraft to provide a corporate
shuttle linking Scotland and the
English south west. “The other will
initially be used for ad hoc work,
although some existing customers
will no doubt re-examine the
aircraft’s virtues in the light of their
evolving needs,” says Basil O’Fee,
commercial director at Highland
Airways. “In the last few years we’ve
seen significant growth in our
corporate shuttle and charter
business. We provide services for a
number of blue chip clients as well as
the oil industry.”
He adds: “The J41s provide an
incremental enhancement to our
current offering and we are confident
there is enough demand to keep
them both in the air. We also know
the aircraft type well, as we maintain
J41s on behalf of other operators, and
we have long experience of its
smaller sister – the J31.”
Headquartered in Inverness,
Highland Airways has bases in
Edinburgh, Aberdeen, Lancashire,
Cardiff and in the Western Isles.
O’Fee says the company enjoys a
Basil O’Fee: Blue chip clients.
diverse customer base, including the
Royal Mail and Scottish Daily
Newspaper Society, delivering post
and newspapers to the Western Isles.
It also operates three public service
obligation routes in Wales and
Scotland and provides aerial
reconnaissance for the Scottish
Fisheries Protection Agency.
Highland Airways is already
planning to order additional aircraft
in the near future. O’Fee says:
“Highland Airways is in a very
strong position and the business
continues to grow across a number
of sectors. As a specialist niche
aviation supplier we can satisfy
customers ranging from multinationals
to the public sector, and
have the flexibility to react speedily
to customer demands.” The aircraft
are scheduled to enter service in the
early summer.
Challenger XRS, 605 and 300 models
are set to populate a planned fleet of
ten new aircraft
A deposit of around six times the
monthly fee will be required, but from
that point, the costs are designed to be
transparent, the only potential
variables being for fuel, ‘excessive’
catering and additional aircraft costs.
Basson says: “Over the past year to
18 months we have seen that regular
fractional owners are starting to look
to the next level – the ability to call on
their own aircraft – but they do not
want the responsibility of full jet
ownership. We are addressing this gap
in the market.”
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APRIL 2008 3
AeroVision
plans Citation
purchases
France’s AeroVision is planning to
boost its Le Bourget charter fleet
with the addition of two Citation IIs
and an XLS in the coming months.
President Guillaume Collinot
says AeroVision is working hard
to firm up the delivery
dates. AeroVision is additionally
refurbishing a Beechcraft 200 to add
capacity and has upgraded its
website (www.aerovision.fr).
“We are also expanding our
maintenance work at our
Blagnac site so it 2008 is looking to
be an exceptional year for us,”
Collinot adds.
AeroVision’s proprietary
Imagin’air aerial filming system is
bringing in increased filming
business following high profile
commissions for the James Bond
film Tomorrow Never Dies and the
French film Les Chevaliers du Ciel.
Imagin'air enables filming in flight
while aboard an aircraft flying over
240 knots – a “speed barrier” for
traditional systems. The system is
also in demand for the work of
governmental agencies.
The current charter fleet includes
Corvettes, one used for filming,
three Citations, and a Super King
Air 200. The aircraft are also
operated for charter, air ambulance
and medevac.
Imagin'air enables filming in flight while
aboard an aircraft flying over 240 knots.
AeroVision, says its Part 145
integrated maintenance facility
enables it to offer clients a full
management package. Launched in
1994, AeroVision reports that good
steady growth in charter business is
being driven by business
acquisitions, an increasing client
base and corporate contracts.

4 APRIL 2008 EUROPEAN BUSINESS AIR NEWS
Air Alpha
formally gives
up helicopters
for jets
Denmark-based Air Alpha Group is
implementing a growth strategy
designed to place it among leading
Scandinavian business aviation
companies, according to Stig Naesh
the current ceo.
Naesh, who will become chairman
later this year when a new ceo is
appointed, says the group has
received an equity capital injection of
DKK95 million (US$19 million). “This
will assist further growth through
company acquisitions and alliances
here and abroad.”
The group will no longer conduct
helicopter operations and flight
training at its facilities in Odense. But
its acquisitions already include the
Aviation Interior Center, Danish
Aircraft Painting, both located at
Odense Airport, and Dansk
Flyelektronik in Roskilde.
Naesh says: “Incorporating the
expertise of these companies, the
Air Alpha Group gains the status
of a so-called ‘completion centre’
in the industry also known as a
‘one-stop-shop’ that will focus on
business aircraft.”
The move, he adds, will emphasize
that Odense is now the centre of the
Air Alpha activities. “The Baltic States
and Russia are still the absolute top
priority and we intend to add to the
existing sales contracts in Russia
regarding the Swiss built turboprop
aircraft Pilatus PC12 in addition to
sales of business jets.”
The Air Alpha Group is to build
2,000 sq. metres of new hangar
facilities in Odense. “This will make
room for maintenance, parking,
and display of the business aircraft
that from now on will be the
cornerstone of the Air Alpha activities
of sales, maintenance, and
operation,” says Naesh who succeeds
Poul Lübbert as chairman.
Corporate Air, formed only a year
ago, is reporting increasing take
up by businessmen of its shared
aircraft ownership facility. “Our aim
is to be known as the people
who provide jets in Ireland and
promote St. Angelo airport at
Enniskillen as the corporate airport
for Ireland,” says Tony Ringland, one
of Corporate Air's partners.
“We see a great demand in Ireland
for business aircraft and for
Enniskillen as the business aircraft
airport in Ireland. We average three
days per week in each aircraft and
that would relate to between 7,000
and 10,000 miles per week. We are
looking closely at the VLJ market.”
Ringland adds: “You can leave
London City airport at 5.30 p.m.
in a Corporate Air jet and be
sitting down for dinner in beautiful
County Fermanagh by 7.30 p.m.” St
NetJets reports huge influx of pilots
Pilots are flocking to NetJets amidst an industry wide pilot shortage, the
fractional operator reports. “NetJets Europe employed 341 new pilots last year,”
says ceo and chairman Mark Booth, “bringing the total to 908 at the end of 2007.”
He says NetJets Europe flies to 900 airports which means a pilot can expect to
fly to more than 70 airports in 21 countries operating hundreds of unique city
pairs every year. Qualified first officers with more than 3,000 hours of flight
experience can upgrade to captain in as little as six months, he adds. “Our
recruitment drive has extended the company’s total workforce to 1,653.”
In 2007, NetJets Transportes Aéreos employed 144 new aviation
professionals, based at the operations centre in Lisbon, in areas such as training,
maintenance, dispatch, scheduling and customer service. Another 41 new sales
and marketing staff based in London, Munich, Paris and Rotkreuz (Switzerland)
also joined the NetJets Europe team along with 25 new cabin crew members.
Staff at the new Lough Erne Golf Resort celebrate the hotel's investment in one of Corporate Air's aircraft.
Corporate Air invites businesses to share in success
Get in.
Take off.
Business.
You are looking for fl exibility
and want to save time? Business
aviation is your answer.
It’s the mode of transportation
which gets business people
to that important appointment
– Safe, Flexible, Direct, anywhere
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Stuttgarter Flugdienst GmbH
General Aviation Airport Stuttgart
D -70629 Stuttgart
Tel. +49 (0)711-9 90 50-96
Fax +49 (0)711-9 90 50-98
www.stuttgarterfl ugdienst.de
A relaxing dinner is just a two minute
speedboat ride from stepping off a jet at
Enniskillen's St. Angelo airport.
Angelo airport is building a new
jet hangar and business centre to
cater for business aircraft and a
runway extension is proposed for
later this year.
Corporate Air, from its base in the
north of Ireland, offers shares in
aircraft which, at present, are all preowned.
Each owner is allotted
periods of aircraft use that reflect
their shares. A 50 per cent ownership
Gama Holdings says its managed
fleet will exceed 60 aircraft following
its acquisition of PrivatAir, Inc,
the US-arm of the Swiss-based
PrivatAir Group.
“It is a significant acquisition
as the group enters its 25th year of
operation,” says Marwan Khalek,
Gama's ceo and founder. The price is
not being disclosed.
Headquartered at Farnborough
airport in the U.K., Gama focuses on
activities including aircraft ownership,
charter services, business aircraft
management, medical transport
operations and aircraft maintenance.
Khalek adds: “Gama has enjoyed
significant growth over the past 25
years, particularly in the last six. This
year has seen our expansion in a
number of key markets to make Gama
one of the leading international
business jet companies. PrivatAir, Inc.
equates to six months’ time usage
spread throughout a year. Another
aircraft is being lined up for
prospective owners.
“We have an offer on a second
2001 C550 Bravo and should have this
in operation by May 2008,” says
Ringland. The new aircraft will be
jointly owned by two companies with
business in Europe and will be mostly
used for business trips. The Bravo was
chosen for its range and payload.
Corporate Air combines
organising share purchases in aircraft
with managing business aircraft at St
Angelo. “At present we look after three
Citations (Bravo, Citation II and a
C500) and two PA31s (Navajo and
Chieftain),” Ringland says. Corporate
Air also provides crew for other
PA31s, C500 and C550 aircraft based
in Ireland.
The company’s expansion has
enjoys an excellent reputation
throughout the United States, a
crucial market for any international
business aviation company, and we
look forward to working with our
successful team in continuing to
deliver the highest standards of safety,
customer care and service.”
The company will be branded
as Gama Aviation, Inc. and will remain
based in Stratford, Connecticut.
sparked interest amongst job seekers.
“We mostly head hunt pilots and do
not have any vacancies at the
moment but welcome CVs,” says
Ringland. “All our pilots are special
and it is interesting that just two out
of 14 are ex-airline.”
Ringland says that Corporate
Air is planning to further build its
business. “We have, in a very
short time, acquired the reputation
as safe efficient corporate aircraft
operators with some of the best
corporate pilots in Ireland. We are
driven by customer care and
attention to detail and, as with any
organisation, the best marketing is by
word of mouth.”
Corporate Air is organising a jet
day at St Angelo and is inviting some
of Ireland's top companies and
businessmen to view aircraft and
discuss their travel requirements.
PrivatAir acquisition gives Gama 60-plus
international fleet with widespread appeal
Greg Thomas: PrivatAir is focusing on
growth markets.
Gama is already present at Teterboro,
New Jersey.
Khalek points out that the Gama
fleet comprises aircraft from all of the
major manufacturers.
PrivatAir says it will be focusing
major efforts on developing its
European. Middle East and Russian
business. “We believes that the
current buoyancy of the US private
aviation market makes it the
perfect time to sell our US division,”
says Greg Thomas, PrivatAir ceo.
“Following the sale, PrivatAir SA is now
ideally placed to aggressively target
new growth markets.”
He adds: “We always keep an eye
out for good investments but we do not
have any specific acquisitions in mind
at present. In addition to the proceeds
from the acquisition we have
substantial cash reserves and this
leaves us well placed.”

EUROPEAN BUSINESS AIR NEWS
Royal Jet celebrates award-winning five years and introduces
aircraft work experience training scheme for UAE nationals
Royal Jet has been named the ‘world’s
leading private jet charter’ in the
World Travel Awards (WTA) as it
celebrates five years of operation. The
award was presented to Royal Jet’s
president and ceo Shane O’Hare by the
WTA’s executive director Manon Han
in London.
Guests included HE Mohammed Al
Zaabi from the UAE embassy in the
U.K. Four months ago Royal Jet won
the 'business jet provider of the year'
award at the aviation business awards
ceremony in Dubai. Royal Jet is jointly
owned by Abu Dhabi Aviation and the
Amiri Flight, the royal flight service,
and is chaired by HE Sheikh Hamdan
Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan.
Royal Jet’s fleet includes five Boeing
Business Jets, two mid-range
Gulfstream 300s and a IVSP, Avro RJ85,
a medevac Learjet LJ55 and two Learjet
G650 aims to
prove big is
beautiful
Gulfstream is preparing to launch the
G650 – an aircraft it believes will
become one of the world's biggest
business jets in 2012.
Joe Lombardo, president,
Gulfstream Aerospace. “I can think of
no better way to celebrate our golden
anniversary than to introduce the
Gulfstream G650. Created with
significant input from customers, the
G650 offers the most advanced flight
deck and the widest array of cabin
comforts. Its performance and
aesthetics are unprecedented.”
The G650 aims to make a big impact.
Lombardo says the G650, when
deliveries start in 2012, will be capable
of traveling 7,000 n.m. at 0.85 Mach or
5,000 n.m. at 0.90 Mach. “Using an
advanced aerodynamic design, the
G650 has a maximum operating speed
of 0.925 Mach, which will make it the
fastest civil aircraft flying. It can climb
to a maximum altitude of 51,000 feet,
allowing it to avoid airline-traffic
congestion and adverse weather.”
Based on the aircraft development
schedule, the company projects it will
receive FAA type certification and
validation by EASA in 2011. First flight
of the G650 is scheduled for the
second half of 2009.
The unfinished aircraft cabin
measures 102 inches wide and 77
inches high, designed to make it one of
the largest business jet cabins.
Lombardo says: “The extra space
allows for a lengthier living area, more
seat recline, expanded leg room and
increased stateroom capabilities as
well as larger galleys, lavatories,
storage and crew rest areas. An 84inch-wide
floor provides for larger
seats, wider aisles and the ability to
seat three across.”
“The Gulfstream G650 uses stateof-the-art
avionics to give operators a
visual edge,” said Pres Henne, senior
vp, programs, engineering and test,
Gulfstream. Because the G650 flight
deck has the same basic layout as the
G550, the pilot type rating for the G650
is expected to be the same as the GV
and the other in-production, largecabin
Gulfstream business jets.
Royal Jet executives attended a day dedicated to improving contact between students and employers.
LJ35s. Its operations include air
charter, medical evacuation, aircraft
management and acquisition
consultancy and an FBO/VIP terminal
at Abu Dhabi. In Abu Dhabi, Royal Jet
announced that it will offer UAE
students the chance to gain work
experience across the business over
Hawker Beechcraft Chairman and CEO
Jim Schuster focuses intently on the
company’s number-one business priority:
“exceptional customer service and support.”
A big part of this emphasis on the overall
customer experience is making sure that the
quality of the training matches the quality
of the product and support.
“We’re very proud of the heritage and the
continuing evolution of both the Beechcraft and
Hawker brands,” Schuster says. “As our training
provider, FlightSafety has been a great partner
for nearly two decades.
the coming months. ‘Internship 2008’
is a programme designed to offer
eligible and qualified students the
opportunity to acquire direct practical
CEOs on Training
A SERIES
“At Hawker
Beechcraft,
FlightSafety
helps us deliver
an exceptional
customer
experience.”
JAMES E. SCHUSTER
Chairman and CEO, Hawker Beechcraft
An executive with more than 25 years of aerospace and defense
experience, Jim Schuster has held positions at companies including
Westinghouse and AlliedSignal. He’s served as chairman and CEO
at Hawker Beechcraft since 2001. Previously, Schuster was president
of Raytheon Aircraft Integration Systems.
“We know we can count on FlightSafety to help
us meet our own high standards.”
For more information, please contact any of our Learning Centers or call
Scott Fera: 636.532.5933. Our headquarters are at the Marine Air Terminal,
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flightsafety.com
APRIL 2008 5
experience in Royal Jet’s operations,
according to Amna Saif Al Mansouri,
vp of human resources and
administration. “We will provide
training for them in order to open up
new horizons – not just within this
company, but with other organisations
working within the aviation sector.”
Royal Jet also supported this year’s
first annual sponsorship day
organised by the Higher Colleges of
Technology (HCT) and held at the Abu
Dhabi Men’s College (ADMC) campus.
Al Mansouri explains. “Royal Jet is
keen to provide opportunities for
students to have access to professional
organisations that can provide them
with continuing education and
networking opportunities. The event
provided students an opportunity to
learn more about the aviation industry
and to develop valuable contacts.”

6 APRIL 2008 EUROPEAN BUSINESS AIR NEWS
A corporate alliance, named after a
Greek goddess, is planning to take
U.K. SAR services into a new era
with a combination of skills that
could be used to win further
business in Europe.
Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS)
has joined the CHC Helicopter
Corporation and Thales UK team
bidding for the planned new U.K.
SAR service as an equity partner.
The alliance plans to become a joint
venture called Soteria after the
Greek goddess of safety, deliverance
and preservation from harm, on
contract signing.
The U.K. Ministry of Defence and
the department for transport last
year formally launched a joint
SAR–Helicopter (SAR-H) project
designed to procure a harmonised
service for the U.K. The Soteria
team is one of three bidders
who have been selected to
participate in a process where
solutions will be assessed jointly by
the MoD and Maritime and
Coastguard Agency (MCA).
The ‘Soteria alliance’ faces
competition from the VT
Group, Lockheed Martin &
British International and from
Serco, Bristow Helicopters &
FB Heliservices.
But CHC, which operates more
than 250 aircraft in 35 countries,
has already been awarded the
contract to provide an interim SAR
capability to run from June 2007
through to June 2012. It is now
adding debt financing, risk
management and investor service
skills to the international
electronics and systems capability
provided by Thales.
Keith Mullett, European md of
CHC, says: “The launch of the
alliance is key to focusing Soteria in
delivering proposals whose core
‘Greek goddess combination’ aims to be a force as
SAR welcomes introduction of new technology
theme is the safety and protection
from harm of the public. CHC
operates an established and
growing portfolio of SAR services in
the U.K., in Europe and around the
world. We are bringing all of that
We deliver service with a capital
Dublin, Ireland (EIDW)
+353.1.844.4455
eidw@landmarkaviation.com
Aeronorte staff were assessing innovation at Heliexpo.
Portugal’s Aeronorte is planning to
develop profitable new business by
servicing the tourism and
immigration sectors.
Headquartered at Braga’s Oporto
airport since 2007 Aeronorte has
invested US$6million (€5 million)
in building a business serving
the region's executive, corporate
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HELICOPTER FOCUS
Aeronorte sets new business development targets
and celebrity corporate aviation
demand. Aircraft acquisitions
include a Learjet 45 and an AS350 B2
based at the Francisco St. Carneiro
airport in Oporto.
“Aeronorte expects to achieve a
total business volume of Euros10
million this year,” says executive
director Leana Ribeiro. “We expect a
Paris, France (LFPB)
+33.1.4934.6231
lfpb@landmarkaviation.com
strong turnover from the tourism
and immigration sectors.”
He was speaking at Heliexpo 2008
in Houston, Texas, where Aeronorte
assessed available technology
updates “in terms of innovation,
effectiveness and safety.” Aeronorte
is also investing in a new hangar,
Ribeiro says.
experience, and our commitment to
introducing new technology, as we
seek to take a harmonised UK SAR
service into a new era.”
The U.K. SAR helicopter
capability is currently provided by
the MCA, an agency of the DfT,
through service contracts at four
bases and by the Royal Air Force and
the Royal Navy using Sea King
helicopters at eight MoD bases.
The MCA and MoD together
provide a 24-hour military and civil
SAR service for the UK SAR working
Region from these 12 bases around
the UK.
The SAR-H project seeks to
replace the MCA and MoD
capabilities in the next decade
when the MoD Sea Kings come to
the end of their useful lives and the
current MCA service contract is due
for renewal.
The MCA SAR service has been
contracted out using civilian
pilots and crews at their four
bases for approximately 20 years
and has been re-competed at
regular intervals.
The first of three brand-new
AgustaWestland AW139 helicopters,
configured entirely for SAR, have
been delivered to the MCA's new
hangar at the Lee-On-The-Solent
airfield. The helicopters, which will
be used primarily on the south
coast, are being provided under a
service contract to the
MCA by CHC Helicopters. The
service will provide 24-hour
coverage at Sumburgh, Stornoway
and Lee-on-Solent, and will operate
on a 12 hour day-time basis at
Portland, in line with current cover.
Two AW139s will be based at Lee on
the Solent and one at Portland.
Peter Cardy, ceo, MCA says: “These
new aircraft will be able to fly more
quickly, and will be able to fly
farther to people in distress at sea
than those currently in use. They
have been specifically kitted with
various items of advanced technical
equipment, including an on board
automatic identification system
(AIS), specifically designed for the
challenges of search and rescue in
the 21st Century.”
CHC’s UK SAR contract
manager Ian McLuskie says: “The
introduction of the AW139s
represents the latest key phase in
our work with the MCA to introduce
new technology to civilian
helicopter search and rescue work
in the UK.”
The change in emphasis in U.K.
SAR comes as helicopter operators
are introducing increasing
sophisticated approaches to the
service in Europe.
Sweden's Norrlandsflyg AB has
taken delivery position agreements
for eight S-76Ds, the next
generation model of the Sikorsky S-
76 helicopter.
Norrlandsflyg is a leading SAR
and EMS helicopter operator which
currently operates a fleet of nine S-
76 helicopters in Sweden for air
ambulance and SAR duty. This
spring, another two “factory fresh”
S-76C++ helicopters will be added
to the fleet.
Norrlandsflyg is under contract
with the Swedish Maritime
Administration’s SAR division and
performs all Swedish maritime
SAR missions.
Fredrik Skanselid, ceo, says:
“Specially configured maritime
Sikorsky S-76s are strategically
placed at five bases, with crews
on 15 minute, 24-7 response time,”
he says.
“The S-76 helicopter has a solid
record of performance in this
capacity, and we are looking
forward to seeing what the next
generation of this aircraft will
bring. The S-76D performance will
give us the ability to offer an
enhanced and unparalleled service
to our clients, be it in the SAR or
HEMS role.”
U.K. SAR services are undergoing a sea
change.
Skanselid says the S-76D offers
more than a 1,000 lbs increase in
useful load and extended range
performance over the S-76C++
currently in the field. He also cited
the all-composite, flaw-tolerant
main rotor blades; the rotor ice
protection system (RIPS) option;
the advanced Thales avionics
system and autopilot and dual
speed rotor with active vibration
control. Additional attractions,
according to Skanselid, are a
quiet tail rotor, additional fuel
capacity, new electrical generation
system, quiet gearbox and
Health and Usage Monitoring
System (HUMS).

EUROPEAN BUSINESS AIR NEWS
Greater emphasis
on logistics
reflects rising
orders for
AW119s
AgustaWestland is doubling the
size of its logistics centre in Italy as
it reports rising orders for AW119s
in Europe. Kaan Havacilik of
Turkey, Scandinavian Aircraft
Marketing Aps and Copterline of
Finland are among companies
who believe helicopter fleets will
profit by augmenting their multirole
single-engine capacity.
Istanbul based Kaan Havacilik
of Turkey has ordered six
helicopters. As well as an AW119,
the order includes an AW109
Power and three Grand light twins
and one AW139 medium twin
turbine. Services provided by Kaan
Havacilik include executive air
transport and air tours. But it is
also the distributor in Turkey for
AgustaWestland‘s commercial
helicopters and has already
purchased the AW119 Ke as well as
Grand and AW139 helicopters.
Celebrating new interiors (left to
righ) Bruno Zago of Elimarca; Renzo
Lunardi, senior vp commercial
business unit, AgustaWestland, Ioan
Tiriac, owner of Tiriac Group and
Giancarlo Di Risio, ceo, Versace.
Scandinavian Aircraft Marketing
Aps (SAM) has entered into a
memorandum of understanding
for the purchase of five AW139
medium twin turbines. It says the
aircraft will have an initial
passenger transport configuration
but they may be further configured
for specific roles. SAM is also an
official AgustaWestland official
distributor. It says factors in the
AW139's popularity include its
ability to carry up to 15 passengers
or six litters with two medical
attendants or up to four litters and
four medical attendants at high
speed and also its spacious cabin.
Copterline of Finland is
taking delivery of two AW139s
at AgustaWestland’s Vergiate
facility. They will operate
between Helsinki, Finland and
Tallinn, Estonia.
Meanwhile AgustaWestland
says its product support logistic
centre at Lonate Pozzolo, Italy, is
now fully operational and work
has started on the second phase
which will see the current 10,000
m2 facility double in size. Bruno
Spagnolini, md, operations,
AgustaWestland says the centre is
strategically located in the
Avioport Logistic Park, near Milan
Malpensa airport, and is also close
to AgustaWestland facilities
located in Cascina Costa, Vergiate
and Sesto Calende.
AgustaWestland has delivered
the first two helicopters fitted with
Versace-styled interiors during an
official ceremony held at its
Vergiate plant. The two aircraft are
a Grand light twin turbine engine
helicopter featuring a black and
white interior and paint scheme
and an AW109 Power light twin
with a grey-coloured Versacestyled
interior, ordered by Ioan
Tiriac Air of Romania and
Elimarca of Italy.
Expanding RAE ready to expand its
pool of Metroliner and CJ1 pilots
Regional Air Express, which has
brought its fifth aircraft, a CJ1, into
service, is urgently seeking pilots and
co-pilots. “The CJ1, which will be
based at Münster/Osnabrück, is fully
available for charter,” says Detlef
Döbberthin, manager marketing and
public relations.
Chief pilot Thomas Gemes
(pictured right) and his colleague
Karsten Weidner say the CJ1 is
popular with clients and is
performing well. “We are very happy
with it,” Gemes adds.
It joins two Metro III “heavies”, a
Merlin IVC and a Metro 23D.”There
is big demand for business
charter and it is important to
provide speed, performance and
range,” says Döbberthin.
“We expect our aircraft to be in the
air 70 per cent of the week and 30 per
cent on the ground and to fly an
average of 150,000 miles weekly.”
The company, which operates
pre-owned aircraft, was formed in
2004 and grew its fleet from one to
four aircraft within three years.
APRIL 2008 7
Sagolair reports encouraging levels
of business after new launch
New charter operation Sagolair,
launched by Nordjet Airlines, has
reported a brisk start to business. “We
are consolidating the charter business
generated by our two aircraft which
are already flying 80 hours or so a
month between them,” says Estíbaliz
Marín, ground operations executive.
“No decision has yet been taken but it
is possible we will look at expanding
the charter fleet this year.”
Sagolair is targeting the business
executive and corporate market with a
five seat Cessna 421 and a seven seat
Citation II both based in Vitoria.
“There is huge demand for executive
charter in Spain,” Marin confirms.
“Nordjet Airlines decided it was the
right time to service the demand.”
FUTURE COVERAGE
The May issue of EBAN, which will
see extra copies distributed at EBACE
in Geneva and at ILA in Berlin, will
bring readers up-to-date on charter
operations in Belgium.

8 APRIL 2008 EUROPEAN BUSINESS AIR NEWS
GERMANY
REGIONAL
REVIEW
Still regarded as an economic
heavyweight, Germany’s reputation
for quality and its geographical
position in the centre of Europe
have both contributed to
its success within the business
aviation industry.
It is not without its problems.
Fuel price hikes, pilot shortages and
the disproportionate allocation of
airport slots continue to dog the
charter market, perhaps worsened
by a high concentration of operators
located in and around Frankfurt and
not enough reliever airports to help
take the strain: A problem that is
surely set to intensify this October
when one of Berlin’s main airports,
Berlin-Tempelhof, closes.
A recent upturn in the economy
has had a positive effect on the
charter market. “Unemployment
rates have fallen, GDP is positive
and we are receiving more and more
requests for charter flights,” says
Ulrich Sigmann, sales director of
Vibroair Flugservice.
Vibroair is located in Düsseldorf.
Alongside Frankfurt and Munich it is
one of the busiest regions in
Germany for business aviation. The
company operates passenger and
freight charter services using two
Beechcraft Premier 1 aircraft and a
Gulfstream G100. It also hopes to
add a new Falcon 900EX to its fleet.
Sigmann points out that this latest
aircraft would give Vibroair access to
the long haul market. “With the
Premier 1, G100 and the 900EX we
can offer all segments over middle to
long haul distances,” he says.
Eastern Europe and Russia continue
to dominate the demand for charter
aircraft, while the company also
works closely with brokers to bring
in more business.
Shortage of manpower
Nevertheless, charter operators all
over Europe are having difficulties
holding on to their pilots. Germany is
no exception. Many pilots join small
firms in the beginning to accrue
flight hours before leaving to fly
larger aircraft. In a bid to reduce
staff turnover Vibroair is targeting
crew who particularly enjoy
flying smaller aeroplanes. For them,
as for many firms, it remains an
ongoing problem.
“The shortage of pilots is the
result of years of neglect within the
industry,” says Andreas Wald,
managing director of ProAir
Aviation. He seems resigned to the
fact that smaller companies can
expect high staff turnover. Wald
explains: “A few years ago, people
were saying ‘don’t become a pilot
because it’s hard to get a job once
Expanding Horizons
Charter operators compete for airport slots
and oppose closure of Berlin’s oldest airport
DCA is looking to develop business in the Middle East.
you’re qualified’. Now more people
are training to become pilots again.
There are some who enjoy flying
smaller aircraft, whereas new pilots
fresh from ATPL dream of flying big
jets. They might stay with us for the
short-term while they build up their
hours but we don’t expect them to
stay with us for very long.”
Most of ProAir’s pilots currently
operate as freelancers.
For ProAir, the next couple of
years will be spent developing its
flying hours and establishing a good
team. The company is currently
looking to recruit two more
members of staff and when its
plans to acquire a Falcon 900B
come to fruition, it will require even
more people.
ProAir is located in Stuttgart and
during the summer months it has a
floating base in Cannes in the south
of France.
ProAir Aviation was launched last
year. Borne out of parent company
ProAir Charter Transport which has
been operating for the past 12 years.
This new venture acquired its AOC
in April 2007. Last October, Wald
took up the position of managing
director. Wald is keen to point out
that the business aviation arm
operates independently from the
parent company.
Know More.
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Euroheli: Charter flights and pilot
training.
“We’ve had to convince people
that we are 100 per cent
neutral. As we're a new company
we're acquiring more and more
new customers.”
ProAir currently owns and
operates a Learjet 31A, its first
acquisition, and manages an
investor-owned Learjet 45.
Says Wald: “Years ago when you
thought of a business aircraft it
would usually have been a Learjet.
The bulk of the charter market in
Germany still focuses on 6-8 seater
aircraft, and is usually either a
Cessna or a Learjet. As a new
company we needed to find our
niche and as many clients,
particularly those in the UK and
Germany, still often seek out charter
companies who operate a Learjet we
went for that.”
The company flies throughout
mainland Europe, with the Learjet
45 regularly heading to Moscow or
Scandinavia. Southern France is also
a key market, Wald says, which is
why the company decided to
operate a floating base there to meet
the increased demand over the
course of the summer. At one point,
ProAir had considered doing a
similar thing in Moscow but after
investigating the options it decided
not to go ahead. “We ran some tests
but for now it's not where we want to
be. It would not be successful. There
are some operators who cover
Moscow who can offer flights at
unbelievable rates so it wouldn’t
make sense for us to compete.”
With so many charter firms
operating out of Germany how does
ProAir stand out from the rest?
“Being situated in the centre of
Germany obviously helps reduce
ferry costs and as we’re small
we have lower overheads. We don’t
have anybody working for us who
isn’t absolutely vital to our
operations. These both allow us
to keep our rates down and because
we’re small we’re flexible enough
to see what we have to do to win
new business.”
Top on the list of priorities for the
coming months is acquiring a new
aeroplane. “Bigger aircraft normally
reflect a bigger turnover and would
cover a lot of our overheads. It would
also allow us to increase the number
of flights east, which is a massive
market. The 31A isn’t really
equipped for that service. It will
depend how the fleet develops. We’ll
be acquiring an aircraft through an
investor so it will depend on what
they want from an aircraft.
We’ve got broad experience of
operating larger aircraft; our
transport division has operated a
Falcon 900B for many years. We’ll
just have to see what happens.”
Aero-Dienst is modernising its
fleet and has recently added two
new aircraft to its AOC. The first is a
Falcon 900EX trijet. This 15-seater
aircraft has a range of up to 8,300
kms and will be used for medium to
long-haul charter flights. The other
is an eight-seater Learjet 45XR which
joined the fleet last December. Aero-
Dienst, which is based in
Nuremberg, chose these two aircraft
for the so-called ‘steep approach’ so
they can fly, for example, to the
centrally-located London City
airport. It has eight aircraft in its
fleet used mostly by corporate
business travellers. Part of the Aero-
Dienst fleet is also used for air
ambulance flights.
This year, Aero-Dienst will
celebrate its 50th anniversary,
making it one of the oldest business
jet operators in Germany.
Additionally, the construction of a
new third maintenance hangar is
expected to be completed by the
summer. It will give sufficient room
for Aero-Dienst’s fleet and for client
aircraft from around the globe. The
company has just become an
authorised service centre to cover
additional models such as Falcon
900EX and 900EX EASY, so all
line and maintenance work on these
two aircraft can now be carried out
in Nuremberg.
Based close to Nuremberg is
Euroheli Helicopterdienste. It
currently operates one AS350 and
two EC120 helicopter, with plans for
new acquisitions in the near future.
Euroheli typically provides charter
and freight services throughout
Germany and across the rest of
Europe. In addition, it also offers
external load missions, sightseeing
trips, aerial photography flights and
flight training services.
Air Hamburg acquired a Citation
Bravo last year. It has also made
changes within the company. A
spokesperson told EBAN: “The flying
and operations staff have been
integrated into the existing
operation. Furthermore, due to
raising demand more crew have
been engaged. We plan on adding at
least two more jets by the end of the
year,” the company says.
Air Hamburg: Bravo latest addition.
Although the company is
continuing to grow, it has had to
tighten its belt.
“The raising fuel price is not good
for margins. Charter prices are rising
and some clients do not understand
why prices go up every month.
Flying in Russia in particular is
becoming extremely expensive,
obtaining overflight permission
takes a lot of time.”
Despite added costs, business
levels remain healthy. “The charter
market is very busy and a lot of new
customers who did not know this
type of flying before enter this
business. With direct marketing, the

EUROPEAN BUSINESS AIR NEWS
Essen-based VHM.
brand “Air Hamburg” is getting well
known in the north of Germany. This
attracts a lot of new and end-user
clients. Internationally, we perform
very well and this is the best
publicity to obtain more flights from
international brokers.
“The Citation Bravo that we
recently acquired is performing
very well which was no surprise
as it is the second one we are
operating now. We also do a lot of
AOG-flights and it is always exciting
to meet the deadlines.”
VHM Schul und Charterflug
currently operates six aircraft
including a King Air B200, one CJ3
and an EC120 helicopter. As well as
passenger services it also offers
cargo, air ambulance, photography
and leisure flights. Most recently, the
company recruited more pilots and
a marketing and sales manager,
Marc Sanders. The company is
based in Essen in the Ruhr valley and
is very pleased with its one year old
Cessna CJ3. “It has performed very
well from the first day on,”
comments Sanders. “The charter
market is still growing and we get in
personal contact with direct
customers and brokers by our sales
and marketing manager.”
Room to expand
Another area of growth in Germany
is medical flights. In 2007, the
air rescue alliance Deutsche
Rettungsflugwacht (Team DRF) was
alerted to more missions than ever
before; up to 39,111 missions, seven
per cent higher than the previous
year. On average, DRF crews were on
a mission 107 times a day. One main
reason for the increase in demand,
according to the DRF, could
have resulted as a knock-on
effect from changes in the
German health system where
regions of weak infrastructure
are confronted with a growing lack
of ground-based emergency
physicians. As a consequence,
the demand for help from air
rescue teams is gaining more and
more importance for complete
medical emergency care for the
population. The number of
transports between hospitals and
specialised clinics has also risen.
DC Aviation (DCA) is looking to
the Gulf to develop its business
interests. Formerly known as
DaimlerChrysler Aviation and a
member of the Cirrus Group, DCA
operates a 30-strong fleet of aircraft
including a G550, Challenger 604,
Legacy 600 and Learjet 60. The
company has always had a strong
European focus and hopes this
will continue. It has set its sights
on developing a new market
by establishing a base in the
Middle East.
Explains DCA’s Jonas Kraft: “DCA
was focused on German corporate
clients while Cirrus has a strong
focus on Russia. We are still in a
strong position there but we want to
develop other corporate business in
Europe and the Middle East.”
The Stuttgart-based company
has ambitious plans for the next few
years. It wants to establish other
bases and acquire up to 20 new
aircraft between 2008 and 2011.
According to Kraft, the company will
fund the move by selling some of its
older aircraft. “It is our philosophy
to operate young aircraft for our
customers,” he says.
DCA will be investing in its
own fleet – it already operates 30
aircraft – as well as acquiring new
aircraft on behalf of clients. The first
aircraft in this ambitious plan will be
a Legacy. It will be looking at longhaul
aircraft such as a Global
More jets for Air Hamburg.
Express or a G550.
“The Middle East is a growing
area. There are a lot of aircraft
around but many of them are quite
old. The market is booming
there like it is in Russia so we are
hoping to find a good partner to
develop this area.”
Unlike smaller operators, large
charter companies like DCA are
fortunate to be able to offer their
staff room to grow and develop their
career within the same company.
Does this help with staff retention?
“We show people a career and as we
have so many different models our
pilots can climb to larger jets which
makes us more attractive to pilots.”
They are also more able to absorb
extra costs incurred by factors out of
their control such as increases in
fuel prices. “There is not much you
can do about that [fuel prices].
We have tried to reduce costs
elsewhere; we have five Citation XLS
aircraft for example so we have
tried to reduce the costs for spare
parts. Fortunately we are large
enough to have other opportunities
to reduce costs.”
Jet Executive recently boosted its
fleet with a Challenger 600 from
Premium Aviation. It is planning
further development of its fleet.
Gunther Krahe from the Munich
and Frankfurt-based company Jet
Executive says: “We operate with a
good range so it's not our focus to
concentrate on the German market,
it’s more for those who operate
aircraft like Citation jets. We don’t
see our main business coming up
from German market but from
European market, North Africa and
the Gulf. The UK and Russia are
strong markets. More and more
Russians are acquiring their own
aircraft, they’re not chartering any
longer. More often they are offering
their own aircraft for charter so it’s
becoming the other way around
now. Some aircraft are based in
Russia but it’s very expensive to be
APRIL 2008 9
GERMANY
REGIONAL
REVIEW
based in Moscow or St Petersburg
and there are high living costs for
crews and landing fees.
Getting permission to land
remains difficult. If you are not
based there and have a good
relationship with the CAA perhaps
you can get permission quicker.”
The direction of the market is
becoming more and more
complicated. According to Krahe,
the problem is not the economy, the
problem is airport slots.
He says: “Nearly every German
airport, or at least the five or six
biggest ones, are now fully coordinated.
We need the same airport
slot operating a Learjet that a 747
needs. The problem is coming up
more and more. We have some
aviation professionals working on it
who are considering going to their
lawyers with it. There needs to be a
certain capacity for business
aviation. Lufthansa is blocking 90
per cent of slots for German airlines
in Frankfurt. The airports like to
have larger aircraft in the slots
because they make much more
money for a slot for a 747 than for a
Learjet. The German Business
Aviation Association (GBAA) is
already considering whether or not
to take it to the courts. We won’t get
them to agree without going to
court. It’s a serious problem
since nearly two years ago, since
the slot co-ordinators were
automated. Previously you could
arrange an ‘oral’ slot for a flight.
Today you have to set your slot into
the computer or risk having the
flight plan cancelled.”
Charter operators in Germany
are all finding it increasingly
difficult to compete with scheduled
airlines for airport slots. Vibroair's
sales director Ulrich Sigmann fears
that the allocation of airport slots
will become more and more of a
threat to the industry. He explains:
“The EU regulations give more
rights to scheduled airlines so we
often find there are no slots
remaining. Each slot is worth
millions for scheduled airlines so
this is becoming an increasing
problem for us.”
For the short-term charter
operators are able to liaise with
airport slot co-ordinators to resolve
the problem but, Sigmann says, it is
essential that the industry comes up
with a long-term solution.
“In the United States it is very
common for charter operators
to invest in bypass airports
rather than competing with the
airlines but it takes a great deal
of time to implement and is

10 APRIL 2008 EUROPEAN BUSINESS AIR NEWS
GERMANY
REGIONAL
REVIEW
simply not something we can
consider,” he says.
Wolfram Pinhammer is the sales
and marketing director for flight
services company Air Routing
International, which has an office
in Frankfurt. He is more than
familiar with the problem. He
explains: “Business operators are
justified in feeling that they’re
losing out. In general we have a very
balanced infrastructure; wherever
you want to go we have good
enough facilities. Our busiest
airports are Frankfurt, Munich and
Düsseldorf which are naturally
restricted so efficient slot
management is one of our most
important tasks to secure a smooth
trip program, as often connecting
legs to other European Airports are
affected. Our airports are very
crowded so you won’t always get a
slot when you need to and you can't
hold them in advance. We can
secure slots for international
customers especially for those
coming in from the US but it is
somewhat restricted at the moment.
There has been talk of enlarging the
capacity at Frankfurt, for example
by building another runway, but the
current reliever airports aren’t good
enough as a replacement. Hahn
airport, for example, is over an hour
away from the city centre.
Airports like Berlin-Tempelhof
are vital for the fast growing
business aviation in Germany and
international air transport. If the
current volume of air traffic at all
three of Berlin’s airports is shifted to
the future Berlin-Brandenburg
International airport as planned, we
are afraid of having the same
situation there as we have in
Frankfurt right now.”
Andreas Peter is owner and
ceo of Berlin-based Bizair
Fluggesellschaft. It recently
acquired a Citation VII, which will
join the CJI already in the fleet. The
company operates out of Berlin-
Tempelhof airport with a lot of
business coming from Eastern
Europe, in particular Poland, Russia
and the Baltic States. “We are
perfectly positioned to cover
Eastern Europe but we are in
competition with Austria a lot of the
time for most of the business
generated in Eastern Europe.
Usually Vienna takes most of the
business in southern Europe and
Berlin takes the business in the
northern part of Europe.
Preparing for change
Both of Bizair’s aircraft will serve
Europe, in particular Eastern
Europe, from its base at Tempelhof
airport. Until 30 October 2008 that
is, when the airport is scheduled to
close, something to which Peter,
chairman of the Society for the
Protection of Tempelhof Airport
(ICAT), is strongly opposed. The
society has been working hard to
fight the airport’s closure. Last
Spring, it won enough votes to force
a city-wide referendum on whether
Tempelhof should stay open. The
group spent much of the winter
collecting signatures from around
VHM operates six aircraft.
200,000 Berliners to force the vote,
set to be held on 27 April. One
quarter of the city’s inhabitants –
around 600,000 people – must vote
in support of the airport in order to
oblige city leaders to reconsider the
airport’s fate.
If not Bizair, along with
Tempelhof’s other business aviation
companies, will be forced to move
away from the heart of the city centre
to Schönefeld airport. Schönefeld is
currently being expanded as part
of the government’s plans to direct
all of Berlin’s air traffic there
by 2011 when the airport will
be renamed Berlin-Brandenburg
International airport.
Says Peter: “If we have to move to
Schönefeld it will be terrible. We will
be placed right in the middle of the
construction area with all the cranes
and work going on. Can you imagine
Madonna or a government official
having to put up with those
conditions when they fly into Berlin?
If we have to move there we will risk
losing some of our customers as a
result. Schönefeld is not equipped to
deal with the number of passengers
that will be coming into Berlin. Until
the work is complete in 2011,
Schönefeld will only have one
runway in operation and Tegel,
which is also due to close, will have
two runways.”
Nevertheless, Bizair and
other charter operators based
at Tempelhof are preparing for
the worst.
“We will try to get a positive
referendum result but if not we will
have to move to Schönefeld. In
my heart, I want to stay in
Tempelhof but I have had to sign
the contracts to transfer the
business to Schönefeld.”
Not everyone is opposed to the
change. Plans to close the airport
have been circulating for years;
Execujet opened a new FBO facility
at Schönefeld two years ago in
readiness for BBI. Patrick Kleu, md
Execujet Europe, told EBAN: “The
launch of the first full service FBO at
Berlin-Schönefeld is the latest step
in our drive to expand our services
on the continent.”
The company has been planning
Sanders: Charter market ‘growing’.
to offer a whole range of facilities
there. “There will be no slot
restrictions. Our services will include
aircraft refuelling, de-icing, cleaning,
ramp parking, assistance with
immigration, customs clearance and
screening,” said marketing coordinator
Pamela Riefling.
City leaders seem determined
that the closure will go ahead in
October. Dr Rainer Schwarz, ceo of
Berlin Airports, said: “We can now
close the highly deficit-ridden
Tempelhof Airport in October 2008.
Over the past 10 years, we have
incurred losses of 115 million euros
with the airport. I anticipate
that individual airlines will
relocate to Tegel before the official
closure of Tempelhof.”
Tegel airport is also due to
close six months after BBI
officially opens.
The GBAA has been working
on behalf of its members to appeal
the decision.
As well as the future of Tempelhof
airport, the association has been
seeking legal advice on the issue of
airport slots. It has arranged a
number of meetings with local and
ministerial figures to try to
persuade, or if necessary force,
controllers to allocate a certain
number of airport slots to business
flights across Germany.
GBAA president Dr Bernd Gans
says: “We are seeking legal advice for
Greysof London Ltd
Chauffeur Services
Aero-Dienst: 50 years old.
that [the allocation of airport slots].
On the one hand, we have
permission from German airports
for every operator to have the access
they need as it is a public service.
Whereas in contrast the European
regulations that came into effect in
the mid-nineties say that every
airport can introduce slot regulation
so the difficulty is that scheduled
airlines often have preference. It has
to be clarified as more and more we
are being excluded from access.
When the regulations came into
effect there was a limited number of
congested airports. Things have
changed since then. Stuttgart for
example has been officially declared
a congested airport, and so has
Düsseldorf. Düsseldorf however is
looking hopeful – it is currently
granting us two slots per hour. We
are looking to get an appointment
soon with the head of airports at
Düsseldorf. We have also made
plans to meet with the European
Business Aviation Association
(EBAA) in Brussels in April meeting
and the Ministry of Transport in
Berlin. EBAA has invited proposals
for how to tackle the problem
which we are working on at the
moment. In the meantime our task
is to find a solution to enable us to
have at least the same access as we
had previously.”
Slot automation hasn’t helped
matters. While plans to merge Air
Berlin and LTU at Düsseldorf to
compete with Lufthansa will take
away even more business from
charter operators. Gans is indignant.
“The importance of our operators
has to be made clear to the
authorities – we must have a level
playing-field,” he says. “Wherever
there is the possibility of going to
Come and see us
at EBACE 08
Stand 132
Wyndham London, Chelsea Harbour, London SW10 0XG
Tel : 08701 909 321
info@greysoflondon.com • www.greysoflondon.com
reliever airports they are doing so
but we need more to be built. We
have lots of regional airports but
many of them are not so wellequipped
or they are too far away
from the city, such as Frankfurt
Hahn. There are possible
contenders for reliever airports such
as Mönchengladbach, Essen or
Egelsbach but they would cost a lot
of money to implement. Another
possible reliever airport might be
Tempelhof in Berlin. It would be a
reasonable decision not to close the
airport as planned but to use it for
smaller aircraft to fly into the
capital. If the referendum is
successful the mayor is not legally
obliged to overturn the decision but
it might be in his best interests to
listen. And what's the point of a
referendum if not to express the will
of the voters? If people vote to keep
the airport open that would send
out a very clear message indeed.”
NEXT MONTH
In next month’s regional review
we will be speaking to charter
operators in Belgium. If you
would like to contribute, please
email Claire Morrison at:
claire@ebanmagazine.com or
call her on: +44 1279 714522.
The 08/09 edition will be out soon.
German charter,
handling and
maintenance
The 2007/08 EBAN Handbook of
Business Aviation in Europe, now
available, covers Germany and
contains useful details about
charter operators. It also
details business aviation facilities
and services including airports,
FBOs and maintenance centres.
The details can be accessed
through a search of aircraft
operated or the airport bases.
For more information please
visit www.ebanhandbook.com

EUROPEAN BUSINESS AIR NEWS
Improvements to airport facilities in
Europe are encouraging charter
operators to expand their fixed
wing and helicopter fleets. Deliveries
in the U.K. include a brand new
EC135 T2+. Michael Hampton, md of
Oxford Air Services, says: “The
recently installed instrument landing
system and greatly increased opening
hours, has transformed Oxford
Airport for corporate jet traffic and
the onward 25 minute helicopter
flight into London.”
The EC135 T2+ is configured for
up to six passengers with a cruise
speed of 130+ knots. Hampton
adds: “It has been deliberately
priced below Agusta 109 rates
to encourage new users. The
selection of the EC135 T2+ was a
logical one based on experience. We
have been so impressed by the
reliability and popularity of our
first EC135, that we were delighted
to take under management this
second aircraft. We make our
helicopters are available 24/7 often at
very short notice.”
Oxford Air Services also operates
AS350 and AS355s and specialises in
the full range of aerial photography.
Le Castellet in France is setting out
its stall to attract top-of-the-range
business jet owners with the
construction of a new hangar able to
accommodate two BBJs. The new
5,000 sq. m hangar opens in May and
is in addition to four others able to
take up to Global Express or
Gulfstream IV and V.
Philippe Gurdjian, airport
president and ceo, says: “We now
have the best business aviation
adapted airport in the south of
France. BBJ owners can park their
aircraft safely and shielded from any
salt pollution, a true advantage and a
considerable asset bearing in mind
the proximity of the Mediterranean.”
Meanwhile the U.K.’s Coventry
airport has appointed Blue City
Aviation to handle its FBO. “The
airport witnessed a 35 per cent
increase in private jet traffic in
2007 over the previous year,” says
Chris Orphanou, airport ceo.
“Our business strategy includes
bolstering the amount of corporate
jet charters and with our 24/7
availability and our close proximity to
all the major motorways, we have a
real advantage.”
Blue City Engineering offers
heated and secure hangar facilities
for private jets. It is JAR/FAA
approved on aircraft including the
Cessna Citation jet and Jetstream
31/32 and Metroliner turboprops.
APRIL 2008 11
Le Castellet and Oxford invest to attract corporate and charter aircraft
Aviaxess runs up
marathon support
pedigree
France’s Aviaxess reports that its role
as official aerial support partner for
the 23rd Marathon des Sables (Sand
Marathon) for the fourth consecutive
year has brought a steady stream of
business enquiries.
But Frédéric Aguettant, ceo, says:
“We support the sand marathon
because of its respect for the
environment and its encouragement
of the values of discipline and hard
work in the pursuit of excellence.”
Aviaxess, based in Paris and Hyères,
provided a Ecureuil dedicated to
health evacuations, overflights for
security and promoting the event and
transport of sponsors, guests,
equipment and personnel to different
sites. It also carried out aerial
photography and surveillance.
Aviaxess has expanded its Parisbased
fleet with recent additions
including the AS350 BA, and the AS350
B2. Barthelemy Gilles, marketing and
communications director, says:
“These helicopters will help Aviaxess
reinforce and broaden its services.”
Conan McGale; global role.
Little and large charter demand
grows in Middle East and Russia
The Charter Company, a broker
based in London, is reporting
increasing demand from the Middle
East and Russia for long range aircraft
sourced from the U.K. “It can be more
competitive than sourcing from
within those regions,” says Conan
McGale who has joined The Charter
Company from Ocean Sky where he
specialised in the Russian vvip
market. Julian Burrell, charter sales
director, says The Charter Company
is expanding its worldwide service.
Another growth area of business, he
says, revolves around private charter
of light jets within Europe.
Technical manager
In the March issue of EBAN we
reported that Vladimir Jovanovic was
md of Prince Aviation. He is, in fact,
technical manager. Our apologies for
the error.
Michael Hampton, md, Oxford Air Services (left) receives helicopter and paperwork
from David Lewis, sales director, Eurocopter UK.
The growing demand for handling
services in eastern Europe has led to
the expansion of Bulgaria’s Right Air
which offers charter, broker, vip,
passenger and cargo flight handling
services at Sofia, Plovdiv, Gorna
Oryahovitsa, Bourgas and Varna. Ivan
Alexndrov, gm says Right Air can
arrange overfly permission for private
charter operators and others.
Encore FBO, GTCR Golder Rauner
and Platform Partners have
completed the acquisition of
Landmark Aviation’s airport services
division, consisting of 33 FBOs, from
Dubai Aerospace Enterprise (DAE).
The combined company, which will
retain the Landmark Aviation name,
consists of 41 FBOs.
Swissport International, meanwhile,
has obtained the licences for a
period of seven years to provide
ground services at Larnaca and
Paphos in Cyprus, working with its
partners G.A.P. Vassilopoulos and
Cyprus Airways.

12 APRIL 2008 EUROPEAN BUSINESS AIR NEWS
Europe’s aircraft management
companies report that demand is
growing but customers are not
prepared to settle for less than the
best. EBAN reports the views of
Executive Airlines of Spain;
FlyingGroup of Belgium, Hamlin Jet
of the U.K.
The wave of privately-owned
VLJs expected to wash over Europe
in the coming years will increase
the demand for aircraft management.
But companies say that, despite
the expected added demand, the
emphasis will still be on quality
and reliability.
Executive Airlines, which plans to
more than double its fleet to 28 jets
(see accompanying news item) has
built much of its expansion on aircraft
management. Juli López, ceo,
confirms that quality and reliability are
major requirements.
Belgium’s FlyingGroup is another
operator that has built a big aircraft
management operation but feels an
international dimension is essential
for future development. “We have
nearly 15 years’ experience. But,
although we are a leading operator for
private and business aviation in
Benelux, we are making sure that our
share of the French market will also
growing steadily,” says Ben Paindavin,
marketing & PR director. "Through the
economies of scale companies can
save enormous amounts that would
otherwise be spent on their own
facilities; meanwhile they can rest
assured that their investment is
operating according to the most up-todate
European standards,” Paindavin
adds. As an EASA approved Part 145
facility, FlyingGroup offers aircraft
maintenance on its complete fleet.
“Aircraft management should
simplify life, cost thousands of Euros
less than an in-house flight
department, provide all the benefits
and advantages of business aviation
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business aviation
in Europe
EUROPEAN BUSINESS AIR NEWS
08 09
HANDbook of
business aviation
in ASIA PACIFIC
global business jet
YEARBOOK
including pilots and maintenance,
have aircraft ready to fly when needed,
and provide worthwhile charter
revenue,” says Paindavin.
In the U.K., Hamlin Jet also believes
in reliability and personal service.
Diners at an exclusive restaurant
expect to enjoy a meal of their choice
at their leisure and pay the bill after a
pleasant evening where it is a given
that all the chores are taken care of.
But, if they were Hamlin Jet customers,
they might also be collected and
delivered by limousine.
Mike Hamlin, who ran the Lotus
Cars fleet before transferring his skills
to Hamlin Jet, believes aircraft owners
Essential reading
wherever you are
Handbook of Business
Aviation in Europe
The reference book for fixed wing and rotary business aircraft
owners and operators in Europe and the Middle East.
2008/09 edition available May 2008
www.handbook.aero
Handbook of Business
Aviation in Asia Pacific
The reference book for fixed wing and rotary business
aircraft owners and operators in the Asia Pacific region.
Available June 2008.
www.handbook.aero
Global Business Jet Yearbook
The reference book for long range business jet
owners and operators worldwide.
www.gbjyearbook.com
AIRCRAFT MANAGEMENT
Demand set to grow but quality and reliability are still
the keys to successful business expansion
The Flying Group management regard an international dimension as key to success. Pictured (left to right) are Ben Paindavin, marketing and PR manager; Pascal Ravel, gm, France;
John Van Lokren, ceo Flying Service; Beernard Van Milders, president; Michael Daems, director of operations; Jurgen Van Campenhout, commercial director; and Bart Boury, vp and
general counsel.
Hamlin Jet...punctual service
should be similarly and discreetly
waited on. “The client should be able
to just decide the when and where of
travel and how and when to pay and
the management company should
take care of the rest,” says Hamlin.
Hamlin Jet was established over 20
years ago to provide impartial advice
on buying, owning and running a
private jet. Hamlin says: “Many clients
have purchased up to four different
aircraft through the company.”
His picture of the aircraft
management company of the present
and the future is of “one that can do
everything that needs to be done
for the client and the aircraft
including providing the staff,
processing the travel formalities,
ensuring the maintenance, sorting the
schedules and flight plans, and
ensuring value for money in tandem
with meticulous accounting.”
Operations should run so smoothly
that they might appear to be run with
ease. But nobody in aircraft
management is under any illusions as
to the effort involved in making sure
the client is at the place he or she
wants to be at the time desired.
Slots must be available and
specialist knowledge will be needed to
ensure the formalities are taken care
of. “The aircraft owner doesn’t want to
know about problems,” Hamlin points
out. “He or she wants to fly to
the destination, step out of the aircraft,
get in the car and go. So the
aircraft management must do
whatever it takes to ensure that the
owner can accomplish this. The work
involved at some airports might be
heavy and complex but that is not the
owner’s concern.”
He adds: “In-house maintenance
is a prerequisite. An aircraft
management company ideally wants
complete control so it doesn’t have
to negotiate with maintenance
companies and fit in with their
schedules. If the aircraft comes in at 6
p.m. on a Friday night you don’t want
to have to wait until Tuesday to get it
back into operation. You want it sorted
immediately and ready if the owner
wants to fly out again on the Saturday.”
Tight administration is vital. “Each
aircraft involves administration of at
least €1 million each year,” says
Hamlin. “The work involves keeping
track of bills for insurance,
maintenance, fuel etc. – all the
associated costs of running the
aircraft. The accounts should be
presented meticulously. The client
should receive a regular neat one-page
summary of the outgoings; the bills
packaged in apple pie order for perusal
as desired and the cheques made out
for the right amount awaiting only
authorisation and signature.”
It might not be as straightforward as
ensuring an evening at the restaurant
is a memorable highlight with no
downside. But the result, Hamlin says,
should be the same.
Aircraft management
business priorities
Capt. Nils Hoffmann, who flies a Lear
60XR managed by the U.K.’s Gama
Aviation for a private owner, says
aircraft management companies
should provide complete support
ranging from flight planning to
maintenance and hotel bookings.
Karsten Sensen ceo and md of
Bavaria International Aircraft
Leasing, part of the Schörghuber
Corporate Group, says the an aircraft
management company must be
honest, reliable and on time wherever
possible. He adds: “There must be a
strong focus on safety they must be in
a position to say ‘no’ if necessary to
stay safely within operational limits.”
He adds: “We own a Challenger
604 operated by ACM Air Charter
based in Rheinmünster which is an
excellent company and use it for
corporate travelling, mainly within
Europe, but also to the U.S. and South
Africa and charter for selected
business customers worldwide.”
Leon Smith, chief pilot of
Heliservices, which operates aircraft
including the AS355, the A109 and the
B206, for corporate use and training,
says honesty is the most important
asset for an aircraft manager.
Will Banks of the U.K.’s Cheshire
Helicopters, which provides aircraft
management services as well as
private and corporate charter,
confirms that clients look for
efficiency and contactability.
Aurel Bitianu is md of the
Romanian private company Mia
Airlines which has aircraft including
a Falcon 900B on its AOC. He says
that clients value privacy and
stability of operations from aircraft
management companies.

EUROPEAN BUSINESS AIR NEWS
Executive Airlines plans to more
than double its fleet to 28 jets,
highlighting the spectacular growth
of the Spanish business aviation
market. The company is one of two
firms granted licences to manage the
corporate aviation terminal at
Barcelona’s El Prat airport. Patricio
Zunino, FBO director and
commercial director, says: “There is
no other business terminal of this
kind and size in Spain. It stands
comparison with the top class
terminals established in other
European cities.
“Barcelona airport is well aware of
the growing demand for business
aviation and therefore decided to
allocate a specific area,” Zunino
adds. “With this initiative, El Prat
now can rely with some of the best
infrastructure in Spain for business
aviation. It will encourage customers
who travel to our city on business
and therefore expect top facilities.”
Juli López, ceo Executive Airlines,
explains: “The first phase of our
expansion plan was to increase the
fleet and this has already benefited
from increased capacity and
consolidation. The second phase of
international expansion will be new
bases in the main European capitals.
Expansion will then follow in the
growth regions of the Middle and
Far East.
“In the next two years we will
receive 13 more jets,” López
confirms. Executive Airlines has
ordered five G200s, two G450s,
three G550s, two G150s and a
Hawker 400XP. “Our fleet will
then have 21 Gulfstreams and a
mix of Falcon, Cessna, Learjet,
Hawker and Beechcraft, López
adds. “We believe this will give us a
very attractive range of aircraft that
will meet the growing needs of our
client base.”
Executive Airlines was launched
in 1999 with a Falcon 900EX and a
Citation Bravo. It added a Learjet 45
and a CJ1 and has since become one
of the biggest managed charter
companies in Spain.
Its latest addition, a G200, has,
says EA, proved an immediate
success with demand for charter to
destinations including Dubai. The
new aircraft takes the number of
G200s in Executive Airlines' fleet to
four based in Madrid, Barcelona and
Valencia. “We are focused on
medium, long and extra long range
aircraft,” says López. “Our bases
and services are designed to meet
AIRCRAFT MANAGEMENT II
Executive Airlines wins FBO licence
as it doubles size of managed fleet
Juli Lopez: reports spectacular growth
the needs of the businessman and
we also have leisure demand.”
Other aircraft for charter include
three G550s, based in Madrid,
Barcelona and Valencia, a GIV-SP
based in Madrid and a G150 and
Falcon 900EX based in Barcelona.
There is also a Cessna XLS based in
Gerona, a Learjet 45 in Barcelona
and a Citation Bravo that service
business from Madrid. Two CJ1 in
Madrid and Barcelona complete the
current fleet.
López confirms: “The Spanish
business aviation market has
experienced spectacular growth.
Forecasts predict growth for the next
five years. Corporations and
individuals in Spain first became
only gradually aware of the
advantages that this kind of aviation
brings to their business in terms of
time saving, flexibility, safety,
privacy. But now day after day
there is an increasing demand for
business aviation in our country and
we know that the aircraft we add will
be kept busy.”
He adds: “Executive Airlines has a
versatile fleet that allows us to meet
our clients’ needs for both their
business and leisure trips. Lately, the
company has incorporated some
Gulfstream aircraft with range
for overseas trips to the main
financial cities of the world as
well as top tourist destinations.
Leisure trips usually take place in
holiday periods.”
Executive Airlines advises on
purchase. López says: “We help
our clients decide what jets are
best suited to their needs, taking
into account factors such as the
number of hours they wish to fly,
the operations base, the number of
passengers, projected destinations
and budget as well as commercial
management of the aircraft for third
parties.” Executive Airlines then
provides a full management service.
EA has vacancies with the
operations and technical
management currently recruiting.
But: “Every department of the
company determines its own criteria
to recruit the staff, in accordance
with our operations manual and the
standards set by the company.
We continue to recruit professional
personnel with the aim of
improving the quality of service,
increasing customer satisfaction and
offering wider commercial service
wherever possible.”
López adds: “The business is
constantly growing according to the
number and quality of the jets
operated. We believe that our
numbers and flight hours from the
past years, as well as the prospects
for 2008 show a very positive
evolution.” (See chart). Last year we
exceeded 5,000 flight hours,
although some jets were added to
the fleet at the end of the year, and
this year we believe we will fly twice
as many hours.”
More fleet expansion is planned.
“We are only announcing aircraft
that will be arriving because of firm
agreements,” says López. “However I
can confirm that, due to the
spectacular growth of the company,
negotiations for new additions are
taking place.”
Aircraft added to the fleet are
usually new with less than 15 per
cent of the current fleet pre-owned.
“We have also expanded our range
of services, integrating other
businesses that form part of the
chain of executive aviation services,
such as handling, operations and
flight planning.”
Executive Airlines is planning
10th anniversary celebrations as
it consolidates business among
clients including high net worth
individuals and the stock market
listed IBEX 35 companies.
Year Jets in the fleet Turnover Flight Hours
2006 8 €20 Million 4,650
2007 13 €35 Million 6,310
Projection for 2008 22 €85 Million 13,975
CJ2+ choice influenced by range and fuel efficiency pluses
The London City airport consortium
has bid for England’s east coast
Southend airport and plans to develop
corporate aviation after purchase. The
consortium includes AIG, Global
Infrastructure Partners, Greenhill and
John Laing Projects.
“The consortium's intention will be
to replicate the success of the London
City airport model at Southend,”
according to the consortium. Other
plans include investment in terminal
and runway facilities and a long
awaited airport rail station. The
consortium adds: “The success of
London City has encouraged
businesses and investors to locate in
East London, safeguarding the
economic prosperity of the area.
Currently there are some 2,000 jobs on
site at London City with over 45
separate employers needing a wide
variety of skills levels, including high
tech jobs.”
Companies based at Southend
include Centreline Air Charter,
Cheqair, Flightline, Flywatch Air
Services, Kudos Aviation, TransEuro
Air and Xclusive Jet Charter. Among
the nearest airports to Southend are
London City which is 24 n.m. away
APRIL 2008 13
Peter Damgaard Nielsen (pictured left) owner of Denmark’s Damson paint
company and his chief pilot Bjarne Markussen, have taken delivery of a CJ2+.
“The aircraft was chosen because of its range, its comfort and its capacity to fly
at high altitude and save fuel,” Markussen, who also flies for Cimber Air, told
EBAN. He expects the CJ2+ to fly around 100 hours a year.
London City plans corporate
aviation at Southend
and London Biggin Hill which is
almost as close.
London Southend is 49 minutes by
train from London’s business district
and 42 minutes from the site of the
2012 Olympic Games. Last year
London City, acting as part of a
consortium led by U.K. construction
and services company Balfour Beatty,
won a tender to acquire Exeter airport
in the southwest of the UK. Analysts
say Southend would, therefore, benefit
from network potential and could
attract private aviation companies.
Zurich headquartered Execujet
Aviation Group, meanwhile, has
pledged to expand using the injection
of capital resulting from businessman
Dermot Desmond's acquisition of a
majority shareholding. Desmond,
who acquired London City airport in
October 1995 and sold it in November
2006, has been appointed as Execujet
chairman. Execujet’s ceo Niall Olver is
on record as saying: “Further
significant investment is planned to
fuel the company's global business
growth plans. We expect the
appointment to help us take the
company to the next stage.”
See also the Execujet story on page 3.

14 APRIL 2008 EUROPEAN BUSINESS AIR NEWS
Aircraft for sale
AGUSTA
A109 Power Elite
Marketplace
Contact Mark Ranger on: +44 (0)1279 714509 mark@ebanmagazine.com
Individual pre-owned aircraft may be advertised for sale here with up to
40 words and a colour photograph for a discounted price of UK£50
Sterling. Full details and picture are also included on the EBAN
magazine web site.
S/N 11169: TT 675 hours, Immediate
delivery. Advanced avionics, seven LCD
displays, dual coms, dual navs, 406 ELT,
radio altimeter, AFCS 3-axis duplex.
Baggage compartment extension. Airconditioning.
Five passenger VIP interior.
Expanded cabin, new soundproofing,
larger rear windows. Tel: +1 954 771-1795
Aero Toy Store Inc. Web:
www.aerotoystore.com. Email:
sales@aerotoystore.com
AW139 Executive
S/N 31047: Full factory warranty.
Honeywell Primus Epic system, Sagem
ICDS multifunction display (5th LCD
Panel), ESIS, dual AHRS, TCAD, electronic
approach plates and en-route IFR charts.
Bose X Series headsets. Satellite phone,
on-board cameras. Six pax. VIP interior.
Tel: +1 954 771 1795 Aero Toy Store Inc.
Web: www.aerotoystore.com. Email:
sales@aerotoystore.com
AW139 Executive
2008, S/N 41008: Brand new. Exclusive
Pininfarina Edition paint & interior.
Loaded with options. Six pax interior
w/nine pax capacity. New warranty,
pilot/mechanic training. Full Cocoon by
ACI. Four camera system, Sagem Fifth
display & more. Tel: +1 954 771 1795. Aero
Toy Store Inc. Web:
www.aerotoystore.com. Email:
sales@aerotoystore.com
Grand
2008, Full factory warranty,
pilot/mechanic training. Single pilot IFR,
pilot ICS, Honeywell 3-axis duplex AFCS.
Full Bendix/King IFR avionic package, copilot
EADI and EHSI, Honeywell FZ702
flight director, Honeywell AA300 radar
altimeter, Artex C406 ELT, KMD 550
moving map, air-conditioning, RDR 2000
Rrdar. Tel: +1 954 771-1795 Aero Toy
Store Inc. Web: www.aerotoystore.com.
Email: sales@aerotoystore.com
BOEING
B727-100 REW
N800AK, S/N 20045. The only TAY
powered VIP 727 in the world! Winglets.
EFIS cockpit. Stage 4 noise levels.
Beautiful 28-passenger VIP interior. Fresh
multi-million dollar MSG-3 conversion,
refurbished woodwork. Wendy Bierwirth -
Tel: +1 301 869 4600. Wentworth &
Affiliates, Inc.. Web: www.wentworth.aero.
BBJ
N737GG, S/N 29136. 3,500 hours/1,400
cycles. Fresh C inspection and shop visit.
Unusually high level interior completion.
New exclusive listing! Wendy Bierwirth -
Tel: +1 301 869 4600. Wentworth &
Affiliates, Inc.. Web: www.wentworth.aero.
BBJ3
2008, Become one of the first owners of a
BBJ3. Based on the 737-900ER, BBJ3 has
35% more cabin space than the BBJ, and
11% more than BBJ2. Only principals and
mandated agents need inquire. Wendy
Bierwirth - Tel: +1 301 869 4600.
Wentworth & Affiliates, Inc.. Web:
www.wentworth.aero.
Super 27-200 Exec
S/N 22825, VP-tbd. 4,500 Hours/3,000
Cycles. 2nd to last VIP 727-200RE. Has
never seen commercial Service. 45passenger
VIP interior. 2008 delivery with
fresh heavy inspection, new paint and
Stephen Faulk designer interior! Wendy
Bierwirth - Tel: +1 301 869 4600.
Wentworth & Affiliates, Inc. . Web:
www.wentworth.aero.
VIP B727-100
N727GG, S/N 19252, -9A engines. TCAS-II.
GPWS. RVSM. PATS fuel tanks. Fresh B
inspection. 32-passenger VIP interior.
Price slashed - owner says sell now!!
Wendy Bierwirth - Tel: +1 301 869 4600.
Wentworth & Affiliates, Inc.. Web:
www.wentworth.aero.
BOMBARDIER
EBAN is available by postal subscription for eleven issues.
Simply send your credit card details and authority for UK£30
within Europe (UK£55 outside Europe) to our subscriptions
department, or call +44 (0)1279 714505. EBAN is sent without
charge to qualifying business aviation professionals. Please call
the telephone number above to request an application form.
Challenger 300
2010, Delivery position, equipped with a
Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 system with
four LCD displays, Honeywell HTF7000
Turbofans, TCAS II, ELT, EGPWS and
Engine Instrument/Crew Alerting System,
Maintenance Diagnostics Computer.
Aircraft specifications determined by the
buyer. +1 303 444 6766. J. Mesinger
Corporate Jet Sales Inc. Web:
www.jetsales.com. Email:
sales@jetsales.com
Challenger 601-3A,
1988, S/N 5024: New to the market!
Serpentine blades, 20 year inspection
w/gear OH c/w Oct. 2007. Forward S-
Galley, aft lav. Direct TV, enhanced Mode S
transponders, dual NZ 2000 FMS, dual
Laseref II IRS, dual 12-channel GPS and
Honeywell AFIS. Tel: +1 303 444 6766 J.
Mesinger Corporate Jet Sales, Inc. Web:
www.jetsales.com. Email:
sales@jetsales.com
EUROPEAN
BUSINESS AIR NEWS
Publisher/Editor: ......................David Wright
Sub editor ................................Kate Woods
Reporter: ................................. Rod Smith
Technical Editor: ................. Malcolm Wright
Designer: .................................. Chris Carr
Training
The opinions expressed by authors and contributors to European Business Air News are not necessarily those of
the editors or publisher. Articles appearing in European Business Air News may not be reproduced in whole or part
without the express permission of the publisher. European Business Air News is not responsible for unsolicited
manuscripts, photographs or artwork.
EBAN's Marketplace section has been broadened to include
advertisements from companies offering training for business
aircraft operators. Companies can advertise here at the rate of
£39 per single column centimetre. The minimum space is five
centimetres. To find out more, email Mark Ranger
mark@ebanmagazine.com or call +44 (0) 1279 714509
e are a Part 147 training
Worganisation offering bespoke
training solutions to
operators and maintenance
organisations. We continue to add
to our portfolio of aircraft types
and work closely with our
customers to provide training
solutions for them.
We have brand new facilities
in the Isle of Man & London
Heathrow and will shortly be able
to offer training at Farnborough.
The Isle of Man is an excellent
Advertising Sales Manager: .... Mark Ranger
Subscriptions/Circulation: .......... Janet Bell
............................................... Tricia Taylor
Administrator: .......................... Hilary Tyler
Photographer: ........................ Robin Harritt
place to conduct training with
hotels much cheaper than the UK
and good transport connections.
Our current aircraft types for
which we hold a Part 147 approval
are:-
Embraer 145/135 Legacy
Bombardier Challenger 601 604
605 (2B16)
Embraer 170/190
BAe 146 / RJ
Dornier 328 Prop & Jet
Airbus 320 series
A330
Challenger 605
S/N 5733: JAR-OPS and EASA compliant.
New warranty, pilot/mechanic training.
Collins Pro-Line 21 avionics suite, dual
FMS’s, dual IRS’s, 3D mapping and long
range cruise. Enhanced maps on MFD,
LDS. Two 18” Flat Screens. Tel: +1 954 771
1795 Aero Toy Store Inc. Web:
www.aerotoystore.com. Email:
sales@aerotoystore.com
Challenger 605
2008, S/N 5728. 2nd quarter delivery.
Extensive options, Pro-Line 21 Avionics.
Triple IRU, 25 hr recording FDR, Dual VHF
COM w/8.33 Spacing, Dual Collins 4000
NAV, CVR, Datalink, 4-Tube EFIS,
Honeywell EGPWS, EVAS, Two 21”
Monitors, ten-passenger interior. Tel: +1
303 444 6766 J. Mesinger Corporate Jet
Sales Inc. Web: www.jetsales.com. Email:
sales@jetsales.com
Challenger 850
2009, Sept. 2009 Challenger 850 delivery
position. Options not yet specified. The
Challenger 850 combines a
transcontinental range with the largest
cabin in its class (capable of
accommodating 15-19 passengers) and a
high-speed cruise of Mach 0.80. Tel: +1
403 291 9027 John Hopkinson &
Associates Ltd. Web:
www.HopkinsonAssociates.com. Email:
hopkinson@hughes.net
CRJ-200LR
Stop press
Challenger 604
B1 course,
Farnborough,
June 9th,
call for availability
In addition we can offer general
familiarisation for all of the above
plus Hawker 125-800XP
For more information on any of
our courses, please contact
Gemma or Amy
admin@manhattan-aviation.co.uk
Tel: +44 (0) 1624 829681
Fax: +44 (0) 1624 829682
www.manhattan-aviation.co.uk
S/N 7990: TT only 2,368 hours. 2,000nm
range. Engines & APU on condition, long
range fuel. Dual FMS’s, dual IRS’s,
HGSCAT IIA, digital L3 FDR, EGPWS, 406
ELT, 52 passenger, two galleys. Trades
welcome, financing available. Tel: +1 954
771 1795. Aero Toy Store Inc. Web:
www.aerotoystore.com. Email:
sales@aerotoystore.com

EUROPEAN BUSINESS AIR NEWS
Global 5000
S/N 9241: BRAND NEW! New warranty,
pilot/maintenance training. Jar-Ops
compliant. International Direct tv, Primus
2000XP 6-tube EFIS, Triple NA-2000 FMS,
dual auto throttles. Primus 880 weather
radar, SATCOM, CAIMS. Iridium
telephone system. Airshow, Global office
and more! Tel: +1 954 771 1795 Aero Toy
Store Inc. Web: www.aerotoystore.com.
Email: sales@aerotoystore.com
Global XRS
2008, S/N 9262: 2nd quarter delivery! Jar-
Ops compliant. New warranty, HUD, EFB,
Triple FMS & IRS. SATCOM, ACARS, LSS.
Four executive chairs forward, conference
group and single seat executive work
station. Global office, vacuum flush toilets
and more! Tel: +1 954 771 1795 Aero Toy
Store Inc. Web: www.aerotoystore.com.
Email: sales@aerotoystore.com
CESSNA
Citation CJ4
2010, Delivers 4 years sooner than if
purchased through factory. Williams FJ44-
4A engines. Flight deck has fully
integrated Pro Line 21 avionics consisting
of four 8” x 10” displays providing latest in
graphical weather, traffic surveillance and
navigation information. Tel: +1 303 444
6766. J. Mesinger Corporate Jet Sales Inc.
Web: www.jetsales.com. Email:
sales@jetsales.com
Citation Excel
2001, G-REDS, UK Public Transport, JAR-
OPS 1, NDH, 9 pax interior. Only 1,600
hours since new. For full details visit our
website or call us at Tim Leacock Aircraft
Sales Ltd on +44 (0) 1258 818181 Tim
Leacock Aircraft Sales Ltd. Web:
www.timleacockaircraft.com.
DASSAULT
Falcon 50
1981, S/N 60, TTAF 8,348, 6,255 landings,
JAR-OPS1, MSPG, 9 pax, Call for details
Tel: +1 702 260 3333; Fax: +1 702 260 3377
Aircraft Marketing. Web:
www.aircraftmarketing.com. Email:
info@aircraftmarketing.com
DORNIER
328JET “Corporate Shuttle”
2000, S/N 3047, TSN 9464, CSN 9372,
MTOW 15,660 kgs., JAR OPS 1, new 19 pax
interior 2007, new paint 2007, FL350, P&W
306B engines, Honeywell APU, Primus
2000 Avionics, NDH, insp./dely ppt Europe
upon arrangement. Call Joern Deistler: +49
4881 936693 Germania Executive. Web:
www.fairchild-dornier.com. Email:
eurojets@germania-executive.com
328JET “Envoy 3”
2001, S/N 3081, TSN 7376, CSN 7961,
MTOW 15.660 kos, JAR OPS 1, new 14 pax
interior 2007, new paint 2007, FL350, P&W
306B engines, Honeywell APU, Primus
2000 Avionics, NDH, insp./dely ppt Europe
upon arrangement, Call Joern Deistler: +49
4881 936693 Germania Executive. Web:
www.fairchild-dornier.com. Email:
eurojets@germania-executive.com
328JET “Executive”
2001, S/N 3162, TSN 3642, CSN 2293,
MTOW 15.660 kos, P&W 306B engs., fresh
HSI, phase IV upgr., ER Tanks, JAR OPS 1
range 2000nm, APU, 2 QC interiors 16
VIP/32 pax, Call Joern Deistler: +49 4881
936693 Germania Executive. Web:
www.fairchild-dornier.com. Email:
eurojets@germania-executive.com
EMBRAER
Legacy
S/N 145637. Low timed – 2012 Hours/1012
Cycles, 12 & 48 month inspection January
2007. Only sub-$20M Legacy on the
market. Will deliver on Corporate Care.
Chuck Bierwirth, Tel: +1 301 869 4600.
Wentworth & Affiliates, Inc.. Web:
www.wentworth.aero.
EUROCOPTER
365N2
1996, 1,150 TSN. VIP 6 place cocoon
interior. Many extras – see website. Sales
tel: +44 (0) 113 238 7101 Multiflight Ltd.
Web: www.multiflight.com.
GULFSTREAM
IV
1987, N93AT, S/N 1020. TTAF 6,821 hours.
Airframe/engines 100% JSSI. RVSM
compliant. 2 col TDR 94D Mode S. DTI
security system. New 13 place interior
06/06. Impeccable maintenance and
operational history. Ask US$21,000,000.
George Reenstra, Tel: +1 201 995 9570
Aircraft Services Group, Inc. Web:
www.yourjet.com. Email:
george@yourjet.com
IV
1990, S/N 1153: Approx. 6,500 hours.
Triple NZ 2000 FMS, triple audio panels.
Allied Signal SAT/AFIS, Airshow Genesys,
Honeywell AIS 2000 satellite tv (US/EUR).
Forward and aft lavs, forward galley. 2007
paint, wood refinished & bulkhead
coverings redone in 2007. Tel: +1 303 444
6766, J. Mesinger Corporate Jet Sales Inc.
Web: www.jetsales.com. Email:
sales@jetsales.com
PIPER
Malibu Meridian
2004, TT 624 Hours. Dual Meggitt EFIS,
Dual GNS530, KR87 ADF, KN62A DME,
KRA10A RadAlt, Dual GTX330 Mode S, S-
TEC1500 A/P w/Flt Dir, Alt
Hold/Preselect, GPSS & Yaw Damper.
IHAS 8000 w/KMD540 for Colour Terrain
Map, KMH820 Traffic, RDR2000VP Colour
Radar. Wx500 Stormscope, ELT.
USD$1,499,950. Derrick Ings Aircraft
Sales. Web: www.derrickings.com . Email:
DerrickIngsDIAS@aol.com
SIKORSKY
S76C
1995, TT 6,520 hours, 13,654 landings.
Corporate 6 seat VIP Cocoon, SPIFR.
Paint/interior 2006, SPZ 7600, floats, aux
tank fittings, UNS, EGPWS, EFIS,WX
radar, Sikorsky & Turbomecca hourly
programs, Honeywell contract, CofA Jan
08, offers in region 4.100.000. Simon
Fletcher. Tel: 00 353 162 59100 Ballymore
Properties (Ireland) Ltd.. Email:
SFletcher@Ballymoregroup.com,
skychopper@eircom.ne
SOCATA
D R E A M I N G !
TBM 700 A
1992. Factory maintenance contract, plus
ECTM. Full IFR with co-pilot panel. 2 x
PR, one with mode S. 8.33, King Avionics.
Colour radar. New interior and paint 2002.
USD 1.4m. Fax owner +33 1 464 74800, or
+44 122 789 5709
of starting up a VLJ-operation? Good idea, but as you know making a dream
come true means that you are awake and aware. Awake to see the possibilities, aware to see
the reality, and all the pitfalls connectedwith introducing a new aircraft type, such as (for most of the
new VLJ.s) the lack of a well organised and spread ground support organisation, training capacity
(simulator) etc. etc. We offer you a Citation II with all such problems behind. Plus, and this is
very important, F.O.M. all books, manuals, spareparts and tools at a price lower than a VLJ.
The aircraft is fully JAR OPS-equipped, ready to start generating revenue the very
moment the ink on the contract has dried. So why don't you take a two year
lead in the VLJ-race, build up a customer base and switch overto VLJ
when that business has matured? The formula is very simple:
Push thebutton, up you go and money you make.
For technical details and more information please contact
the owner Lennart Nordström
File Photo
Tel: +46-40496270
Email: airleasing@tele2.se
Career opportunities
APRIL 2008 15
All advertisements in EBAN Marketplace (other than pre-owned
aircraft) are available at a cost of UK£39 per single column
centimetre, the minimum depth being five centimetres. Advertisers
can provide artwork, or we can design the advertisement from
pictures, words and logos you supply, free-of-charge. Job
opportunity advertisements are also included on the EBAN web site
free-of-charge.
We operate a fleet of Piaggio P180 Avanti II in Western and Southern Europe.
For our new aircraft we are now looking for …
CAPTAINS and CO-PILOTS
with experience on comparable aircraft (captains with a minimum of 1,500 hrs in
command and co-pilots with a minimum of 1,000 hrs).
This is what’s important! You love to fly and enjoy being a good host to your
passengers. You love to travel, are flexible and have good manners. During flight
operations, we expect professionalism, far-sightedness and safety awareness.
Why AirGO? A good ambience is very important to us. Our aircraft are new, well-kept
and comfortable. Our destinations are very attractive, we offer you a performancebased
pay and free choice of home base. Type rating will be paid by AirGO.
Please send your application to:
AirGO Flugservice / Am Finther Wald 5833 / 55126 Mainz
Phone + 49 6131-69 67 07 / application@airgo.de
OUR NEXT ISSUE:
MAY 2008
FINAL BOOKING DATE:
APRIL 21st

Mach, Mach. Who’s there?
Only the Citation X operates in that exclusive neighborhood of Mach-caliber speed. Only in a X are you first to every
opportunity. On U.S. coast-to-coast flights, you save close to an hour over competitors in slower aircraft that cost
more to operate. And you do it in one of the category’s most quiet, most sumptuous cabins. No matter where you’re
headed in a Citation X, the answer to the riddle is a lot like the mission itself – short and sweet. Call Peter Griffith,
Cessna Aircraft Company,* U.K. Tel. +44 (0) 1252 378811. Fax +44 (0) 1252 378287. E-mail pgriffith@cessna.textron.com.
Or visit CitationX.Cessna.com. *Incorporated with limited liability in the state of Kansas, U.S.A.
Citation X
Sure Thing ®