The Legacy 600 is “the best bang for the buck,” according to Captain George Harpole

A round-up of fleet additions

ASL/JetNetherlands

Brussels, Belgium-based operator ASL has added a Legacy 450 to its fleet, the first of its type to be delivered in Europe.

The 450 received EASA certification in the summer of 2015, and its initial range of 2,575 nautical miles was increased to 2,900 nm later that year. It has the largest cabin in its class at 1.83m high, 6.83m long and 2.08m wide, with a flat floor, full fly-by-wire technology and complete flight envelope protection.

Avjet

Burbank, California-based Avjet has added two G-IVSPs and a G650 for charter. The G650 is the third on Avjet's certificate and its fourth in operation.

“The G650 has proven to be one of our most popular offerings, giving our clientele the speed, luxury and sophistication only the newest Gulfstream product can offer,” says Avjet chairman and CEO Marc Foulkrod. “Additionally the two extra G-IVSPs provide our clients with increased availability for what has proven to be the best value option among large cabin Gulfstream charter aircraft.”

Clay Lacy Aviation

Clay Lacy Aviation based in Los Angeles, California, has added seven aircraft to its fleet at three southern California airports. All aircraft are equipped with high-speed wi-fi. The company has placed a Global Express, Gulfstream G550, Falcon 900EX EASy, Embraer Phenom 300 and a Hawker 800 XP at Van Nuys airport in Los Angeles, a Learjet 60XR at John Wayne airport in Orange County and a Learjet 60 at Carlsbad, just north of San Diego.

DAS Private Jets

Mengen, Germany-based DAS Private Jets has taken delivery of a Phenom 300. Wolfram Wächter, CEO and captain, says: “With the Phenom 300, we can reach almost all destinations in Europe non-stop.”

Elite Air

Houston, Texas-based Elite Air has added a newly refurbished Legacy 600 and a Citation X to its charter certificate. Both aircraft will be based at William P. Hobby airport. The Legacy 600 is “the best bang for the buck,” according to Captain George Harpole: “This particular aircraft is absolutely perfect. It's outfitted to the nines.”

Of the Citation X, Captain William van Scoyoc says: “The beauty of this aircraft is that she is reliable, and she holds a number of records for short runway landings and non-stop 135 flights. We've done a north Atlantic crossing in three hours and 10 minutes. One of the greatest advantages is its charter friendly owner, who's willing to reschedule his own trips to accomm-odate customers. He is really big on existing customers and repeat business. He wants to take care of each customer.”

GlobeAir

Austrian-headquartered GlobeAir has recently taken delivery of two more Mustangs and ceo Bernhard Fragner says: “We are making strong progress in our ambitions to deliver a smarter and faster way to travel in Europe. Now more than ever, passengers are aware of the different alternatives available in the market and they want to pay fair rates for the service requested. As customer interest in affordable air charter solution is increasing, our mission is to become the reference point for the short-haul on-demand flight.”

Iraq Gate

Iraq Gate of Baghdad, and its joint venture partner Arab Wings of Amman, Jordan, have taken delivery of two CRJ200s bringing the fleet total to three. “The excellent economics of the CRJ200 regional jet are ideally suited to meet the increasing transportation demands of Iraq's active oil and gas sector,” says Ahmad Abu Ghazaleh, Arab Wings CEO. 

Jet Aviation

North American Jet Aviation has added the first Airbus ACJ318 available for charter in the US to its fleet. MD Benoit Defforge says: “Airbus corporate jets are already popular with VVIP charter customers in Asia, Europe and the Middle East, so the introduction of the ACJ318 to the North American market is a welcome addition that brings a wider choice and better travel experience.”

Jet Edge International

Los Angeles-based Jet Edge has added two long range business aircraft to its fleet: a Falcon 900EX EASy II and a Gulfstream GIV, as well as a 2015 ultra-long range Gulfstream G550. CEO Bill Papariella says: “With two of the three additions being east coast-based, our New York and Florida fleets have grown to more than 13 aircraft. This exceeds our 12-month east coast expansion plan and provides more availability for our clients on both coasts.”

Jota Aviation

London Southend airport-based Jota Aviation has purchased a BAE Systems' Avro RJ85 regional jet from Falko, an ex SN Brussels Airlines aircraft.

“With the Avro we will be targeting the charter broker fraternity for group charters, conference and incentive work plus, importantly, Europe's regional airlines for sub contract and ACMI work,” says commercial manager Mike Sessions.

MAC Air Group

Portland, Maine-based MAC Air Group has added a Cessna Citation CJ3 and a Bombardier Learjet 60 to its charter fleet. The CJ3 will be based in Teterboro, New Jersey and the Learjet at Boca Raton in Florida.

MHS Aviation

Munich, Germany-based MHS Aviation will add a Cessna CJ2+ and a Bombardier Challenger 300 to its charter fleet. CEO Andreas Otto says: “We are very excited about the expansion of our fleet, especially with the Challenger 300. 

MHS will now be able to realise further synergies supporting offers in the charter sector.”

Million Air Dallas

Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas-based Million Air Dallas has taken on a Legacy 500. Vice president, director of operations Bob Schmidt says: “The Legacy 500 is a nice addition to our fleet, and keeps us at the forefront of new technological aircraft.”

N-Jet

N-Jet, based in Chicago, Illinois, has added a Cessna CJ3 to its charter fleet; its sixth Cessna and its third aircraft to offer in-flight wi-fi.

New World Aviation

New World Aviation, based at Lehigh Valley International airport in Pennsylvania, has added a Falcon 900B to its fleet. President/COO Randy Kroschwitz says: “As a Wyvern Wingman, ARGUS Platinum, ISBAO registered operator, we continue to deliver the optimum combination of safety, speed, comfort and efficiency for every trip. Our newest addition allows us to better serve our private aircraft charter clients with an option in how they travel with us.”

Premium Jet

Zurich-based Premium Jet as added a Gulfstream G550 to its range of aircraft, and has appointed Sarah Schmidt as chief flight attendant to oversee operations on-board the growing fleet.

ProAir-Charter-Transport

2016 marks the 20th anniversary of ProAir, and founders Thomas Godau, Elmar Monreal and Kim Witschas have added a Falcon 2000 to its fleet. The vip jet seats up to nine passengers and is based at Leipzig airport.

Qatar Executive

Qatar Airways' Doha-based corporate jet division Qatar Executive has taken delivery of its first Gulfstream G650ER.This is the first of its order for up to 30 new business jets, including the all-new G500 and G600, for which Qatar Executive is the global launch customer.

Synergy Aviation

UK-based Synergy Aviation has added a Citation Mustang to its charter fleet which will operate from its new base in Jersey. Managing director Glen Heavens looks forward to the opportunities that Jersey will bring: “Synergy has always performed well in the light jet market and has a strong customer base in Jersey. The cost effectiveness of the Mustang opens the doors to the widest possible market, giving us the opportunity to introduce new customers to the advantages of business jet travel.” 

TAG Aviation (UK)

TAG Aviation, based at Farnborough airport, has added a Gulfstream G650 to its UK AOC and becomes the first UK operator to have achieved full UK CAA approval to operate this ultra-long range type aircraft commercially.

Florent Sériès, VP aircraft manage-ment and charter services, TAG Aviation Europe, says: “TAG Aviation's number one priority is the safety, security and wellbeing of passengers at all times. Receiving full UK AOC approval means that we can look to now attract other Gulfstream G650 aircraft-type owners with a view to operating their aircraft under a management contract for charter when the aircraft is not being used by them.”

Titan Airways

London Stansted-based charter company Titan Airways is adding a six-year-old Airbus A321-200 to its fleet. This follows the introduction of three Airbus A320s over the last three years.

Commercial director Alastair Kiernan says: “The latest acquisitions are part of a long term strategy of fleet modernisation. All of the aircraft in the Airbus A320 product line are economical to operate, with lower fuel burn and lower carbon emissions. The cabins are spacious and modern for a more comfortable passenger in-flight experience.”