Lauda Executive is studying the possible purchase of a Boeing Business Jet (BBJ) to provide VIP transport for Austrian Government officials.
The business aviation division of Austrian airline Lauda Air secured an exclusive contract to operate flights on behalf of the administration two years ago. Its current fleet comprises a Bombardier Challenger 601 and a pair of Learjet 60s.
Lauda Executive confirms: "We are evaluating entry into this market, though we would need to have a major partner with us."
It is understood this would require the government to guarantee a minimum level of utilisation, while it is likely that the aircraft would also be made available to other clients.
Lauda Air chairman, chief executive and part-owner Niki Lauda, who is handling the negotiations with BBJ, could not be reached for comment. Lauda has a close relationship with Boeing and has exclusively bought passenger aircraft from the Seattle-based manufacturer in the past.
Source: Flight International
