Atlas Air Service, headquartered in Bremen, Germany, has added a Citation CJ2+ to its managed fleet, which already includes CJ3 and XLS types. The latest aircraft was bought by the investors of the newly-founded company JetCologne, and Atlas is providing operational support until the company is settled in Cologne and is ready to operate on its own AOC. This support has meant that the CJ2+ was in commercial operation within a fortnight, and delays that can sometimes be encountered upon starting a new operation were avoided.

“We formed in April. We are now inside the AOC of Atlas, but as we have another charter company – SilverCloud Air – we might get our AOC via this other company,” says JetCologne ceo Michael Sauer.

“We run business flights and private jet flights for Cologne. Cologne had a big charter company that went bankrupt and since that time there has been no new jet on the airfield.”

The CJ2+ is said to serve Atlas' market well, with a range of up to 1,600nm and able to accommodate up to seven passengers. The company says that it is more economical on fuel than a Phenom 100 in similar flight conditions. Atlas is providing maintenance and CAMO support from its Cessna service centre.

The aircraft is equipped with the latest technical specification, with steep approach capability. A satellite phone and in-flight entertainment is on offer in the cabin.

Atlas sales director Hans Doll says that the performance of the CJ2+ has been “perfect” so far, although he does believe that logistical challenges are still to be overcome: “We see Germany with a robust economy. However, the situation in particular in southern Europe will have effects on our business. General aviation operators are suffering from even more legislative obstacles and bureaucracy.

“Atlas Air Service is diversified and offers a comprehensive package of services to the business aviation market. We are monitoring the market and we have put more emphasis on the pre-owned market and on aircraft management. This is already paying off. We are confident that we have the right approach to be just as successful in future,” he concludes.