Belgium's Aureus Group is planning to launch a scheduled charter operation late next year using a fleet of Piaggio P180 Avanti twin pusher turboprops.
The operation will be based at Brussels National airport and is designed to expand the incentive travel market in Belgium and mainland Europe through a diverse range of services, says Aureus founder and chief executive Christian Evrard. The company is, however, seeking new investors to bring the plan to fruition, Evrard says. Capitalisation is set at €4-5 million ($5.3-6.6 million), with equal bank cover, he adds.
Aureus plans to create integrated incentive packages for leisure, business and group travellers. It says the business travel service covers individuals, typically in middle management, who have more sophisticated travelling tastes, and larger groups that are seeking to reach the same destination. "There are several trade shows across Europe, for example, which would be ideal for this dedicated travel role," Evrard says. Seasonal scheduled services to popular European destinations such as St Tropez, France; St. Moritz, Switzerland and Etna, Italy are also planned, as is a scheduled service to Frankfurt, Germany.
Aureus is to operate three Avantis initially, although the business plan calls for a fourth aircraft at the end of the third year.
Source: Flight International
