Bavaria International Aircraft Leasing is studying the Fairchild Dornier 328JET 33-seat regional jet for operations between southern Germany and Mediterranean destinations, and expects to decide by April.
The plan stems from a desire by Bavaria Leasing's 100% shareholder, the Schoerghuber family, to boost premium class flight connections between Munich and the family's growing hotel interests in Mallorca, Spain.
Bavaria Leasing managing director Robert Salzl says the company is looking to place an initial order for two 328JETs, which would be fitted with 20-seat luxury interiors and operated with an existing air operator's certificate holder on the company's behalf.
The Schoerghubers own two golfing hotels in Mallorca with a third under construction, which catered for about 20,000 guests last year. Salzl, a former Lufthansa chief pilot, says the 328JET operation would target the top 5-10% of these visitors who would be prepared to pay extra for luxury travel, including VIP service before and after each flight.
There are 50,000 Germans living in Mallorca who can reach cities such as Munich only by using charter flights or infrequent scheduled services via Frankfurt.
"The aircraft would likely be operated at peak weekend times and be offered for corporate charters on weekdays," says Sazl.
Source: Flight International
