Australian charter services and fixed-base operator AVWest is planning to add a further two to four aircraft to its fleet in the medium term beyond the four recently ordered Bombardier Global Express XRS.
Deliveries of the four ultra-long-range Global Express XRS, two of which will feature the new Global Vision flightdeck, are scheduled to the Perth, Western Australia-based company over the next three years, says general manager Mick Rowbottom. The aircraft are required to meet the global requirements of its customers.
"Our clientele is increasingly travelling to overseas destinations, including Europe, Asia and the Middle East and now is the right time to add ultra-long-range jets to our fleet," says Tim Roberts, AVWest principal and son of the Multiplex construction group founder John Roberts.
The Global Express XRS is capable of operating non-stop from, for example, Perth to Honolulu with eight passengers and three to four crew.
AVWest provides aircraft charter services and owns and operates the Perth Jet Centre, providing 24h ground handling and full FBO and VIP services.
The company's fleet comprises one Bombardier Challenger 604 - with a second due for delivery before the end of this year - a Hawker 800XP, a Gulfstream GIV-SP, a Global Express XRS and a Global 5000.
It also has a growing helicopter fleet, comprising a Eurocopter EC130, EC145 and AgustaWestland AW109 Executive.
Rowbottom says all areas of the business are growing, necessitating the fleet expansion. Further orders for two to four aircraft have already been made for delivery once the new Global Express come on line, says Rowbottom, declining to provide details.
AVWest is also looking at expanding its facilities over the next year, he adds.
Source: Flight International
