DC Aviation has taken on a managed Citation XLS+ with Pro Line 21 avionics. The aircraft is the eighth XLS+ that the Stuttgart headquartered company is operating, making it the biggest operator of the type in Europe. DC continues to expand its Middle East presence with sister company DC Aviation Al-Futtaim, and it has been pleased with its latest acquisition; ceo Michael Kuhn reports that it is appreciated by passengers and crew alike: “Alongside the avionics suite with xm animated broadcast graphical weather and charts, new features include FADEC engines from Pratt & Whitney, and exterior and interior restyling.

“The most prominent aspect of this is the extended contour of the nose and expanded seat widths, and we have had very positive feedback.”

Kuhn says that operations are running smoothly at the moment and that the company is following through on its growth strategy. “The group is diversified in its depth of services, which include executive jet charter, FBO operations, repair and maintenance, and of course aircraft management,” he adds. “The current portfolio supports our strategy in both western and eastern Europe.

“This is the best way to prepare the company for current and future developments on the world market.”

He admits that the ongoing crisis in Russia and Ukraine could be an obstacle, as DC is active in this region. Nonetheless, there will be a continued focus on management, with less emphasis on charter. “In general we are greatly interested in large and long range aircraft because of the existing broad demand.”

The company employs over 330 staff, and has branches in Dubai, Zurich, Malta and Moscow. It emerged in 2007 from the former DaimlerChrysler Aviation. It boasts of a 'young fleet' comprising the XLS+, long distance jets such as the Gulfstream G550 and two large cabin ACJ319s.