South African business aviation services company ExecuJet has taken a step towards its stated aim of expanding into eastern Europe with the addition of a Bombardier Global Express ultra-long-range jet to be operationally based in the Ukrainian capital, Kiev.
The aircraft, managed for non-Ukrainian concerns, will allow the company to "dip its toe" into the market and may be followed by a more permanent expansion in the country, says Peter Smales, ExecuJet Europe managing director. The aircraft, ExecuJet's sixth Global Express, will operate under a Swiss aircraft operator's certificate and be officially based in Zurich. However, Smales expects the aircraft to be located in Kiev around 40% of the time and will be offered to Ukrainian customers primarily. The company expects a utilisation of around 800h a year and says there is strong demand in the country for such an aircraft.
Source: Flight International
