The Hawker 4000 complements the strategy at the larger end of the JetBee offering. Its full stand-up cabin is particularly attractive to passengers, while the spacious interior is extremely comfortable for guests.
European operator JetBee is experiencing strong demand on its latest aircraft, a Hawker 4000 that arrived in Prague in May. Alongside it, the company operates three Hawker 400s and two Nextant 400XTs, giving the fleet a strong degree of operational commonality.
OCC manager Patrik Kolacek says: “The Nextant retains the proven platform of the Hawker 400 while introducing significant upgrades. It features more modern avionics and newer, more efficient engines, which provide improved performance and range while also offering a considerably better noise profile and compliance with more stringent airport noise requirements.
“Operating aircraft based on a common platform also brings important advantages from a maintenance and operational perspective. We have our own Part-145 maintenance organisation, which allows us to manage a substantial part of our maintenance requirements internally. We are also completing our own hangar facilities in Prague, which will further increase our independence, flexibility and control over aircraft availability.
“Although Prague is our home base, approximately 95 per cent of our flights originate elsewhere. Our aircraft operate throughout Europe, with particularly strong demand from the United Kingdom, France and Italy.”
For the remainder of this year, JetBee's focus is on increasing aircraft utilisation and expanding operations to additional destinations, including the Middle East. At the same time, it is evaluating the next stage of its fleet renewal programme.
“The Hawker 400 remains a capable and proven aircraft in the light-jet segment,” continues Kolacek. “However, the age of the existing airframes is becoming an increasingly important consideration, particularly as clients and charter brokers place greater emphasis on newer-generation aircraft. We therefore see fleet renewal as a natural step in the company’s development rather than a change in our operating philosophy.
“Our intention is to remain within a similar market segment while introducing younger aircraft with modern cabins, avionics and operating characteristics. Aircraft such as the Embraer Phenom 300 or the Citation XLS+ represent the type of platform we are currently considering.”
The Hawker 4000 complements the strategy at the larger end of the JetBee offering. Its full stand-up cabin is particularly attractive to passengers, while the spacious interior and generous baggage compartment provide a very high level of comfort. Overall, it allows JetBee to offer clients a significantly enhanced travel experience while retaining the flexibility expected in business aviation.
