Czech operator Crown Air has ordered a Cessna Citation X business jet for delivery in late May, the US manufacturer's first sale of the type to a European executive charter company.
Based at Prague's Ruzyne Airport in the Czech Republic, Crown was formed in 1997 as Eastern Europe's first dedicated executive jet charter operator, catering for growing demand from some of the region's largest corporations and wealthiest individuals.
The company says it selected the Mach 0.92, 6,000km (3,250nm)-range Citation X to ensure its clients can "-reach the farthest corners of Russia, Asia and Africa at a fraction of the cost of other chartered aircraft".
Meanwhile, Crown Air is expanding into the executive aircraft management business where, under its European Joint Aviation Authorities-approved air operator's certificate, it is allowed to operate foreign-registered aircraft on behalf of clients. These include examples of the Citation I, II, III and VII, as well as a Bombardier Challenger 604.
The company hopes its low management costs will give it a competitive edge.
Crown plans to launch a fixed-base operation at Ruzyne Airport's general aviation terminal.
Source: Flight International
