Stuttgart, Germany-based E-Aviation has added a Citation CJ3+ to its fleet. The new addition replaces a previous CJ3+ and features optimised avionics. It can accommodate up to eight passengers for short or longer haul destinations, has a range of 1,800km and a speed of 420 kts, and the operator says it is versatile, reliable and comfortable – a top performer.

“At E-Aviation, we combine state-of-the-art technology with a passion to satisfy all of our customers’ wishes,” comments CEO Alfred Eisele. “That means ferrying over a new jet is always an emotional moment. At the start of June, I had the honour of making my 32nd such flight when pilot Lars Schmidt and I flew the CJ3+ D-CHAT to Stuttgart. We had collected the light jet in Milwaukee, USA, two days previously. On occasions like these, I always like to tour the production facilities so that I can get a passenger's impression of how manufacturing is being continuously optimised.

“We then flew to our home base via Montreal, Goose Bay and Reykjavik. This trip was already enough to convince us of Cessna’s familiar qualities.”

Before the arrival of the CJ3+, the most recent factory new aircraft to join the E-Aviation fleet was a Citation M2 in 2017. On the pre-owned side, the company was happy to welcome another CJ4 at the end of 2020. Its most popular aircraft are the CJ series, including the M2, CJ3+ and CJ4, because they are well-priced per hour, making them attractive propositions, even in COVID times.

“Our regular mission profiles are within Europe and last about one to three hours per leg,” Eisele continues. “Of late we have been performing more cargo flights compared to the past, due to the lacking delivery chain of the automotive industry. The COVID situation led to a revenue decrease of 20 per cent average over the last 12 months with some months down 70 per cent. However the summer compensated a lot to raise the average amount.

“In 2021 we expect a 20 per cent charter increase and are in close talks with investors to bring two more new aircraft into our fleet in order to get back to the level of 2019.”