ExecuJet Middle East has welcomed the largest and latest addition to its 22-strong managed fleet in the region, a new vip 19-seat Embraer Lineage. Based at Dubai International airport, it is now available for third party charter.

"Not only is it the largest in our management fleet but it offers very competitive operating economics," says Paul van der Blom, business development director and head of aircraft management. "It is a tremendously attractive charter aircraft and we know it will be appreciated by our discerning charter customers. With a cabin volume at least double the size of a traditional business jet, a stylish cabin featuring a bedroom, shower, and a very large baggage capacity, clientele can work, dine, relax or sleep while travelling in comfort."

Meanwhile, having won a five-year contract to run Cambridge airport's FBO, ExecuJet Europe is to relocate its aircraft operations department from Zurich to Cambridge during the second quarter of 2012. It will, however, retain some operational resources at its headquarters to run its Swiss AOC.

"We recognise the value and flexibility of this sizeable new facility in the UK which has great potential to help develop and strengthen our European business further," explains Cedric Migeon, md of ExecuJet in Europe. "Business aviation in the UK has traditionally been a very important market, especially in terms of medium size and large business aircraft registered, generating over 30 per cent of business aviation employment in the EU. Bolstering our presence in the UK is a logical next step for us.

"In striving to keep our business ahead of the game, we must take full advantage of opportunities available, while keeping a firm eye on the current economic situation in Europe. In reducing some of our costs and using the excellent resources we have in Cambridge, we will be gaining a competitive advantage in the market," Migeon says.

Some positions will be moved from Zurich to Cambridge, but the company's European headquarters, as well as ExecuJet Aviation Group's headquarters will remain in Zurich. Staffing in the UK will increase to a head count of about 40 office staff by the end of the year, alongside approximately 40 UK-based crew. Extensive training is on-going for more than six months to ensure a smooth transition to the new team in the UK. ExecuJet has offered some employees whose positions have been made redundant in Zurich the opportunity to join the company's UK office in Cambridge.

Vertis appointed agent for XRS

Swiss-based Vertis Aviation has been appointed as exclusive charter sales agent for a Global XRS operated by ExecuJet Aviation Group and based in Geneva.

Christophe Gibert, director of charter sales at ExecuJet Europe, says: "As we are one of the world's largest operators of Bombardier aircraft we are excited to be working with a company like Vertis Aviation as they have a proven track record in the sales and marketing of long-range aircraft."