Netjets Europe will take delivery of the first customer-owned Raytheon Hawker 800XP by the end of the month. The first core fleet aircraft was delivered at the end of February.
"We hope to add four [of the 24 Hawker 800XPs] to the European fleet this year. The next will arrive in September," says Netjets owner and operator, Executive Jet. The Woodbridge, New Jersey-based company has "positions" on 40 Hawker 800XPs and 16 are forecast to be in operation in the USA and Europe by year-end.
Executive Jet is increasing its focus on the fledgling European programme, a joint venture between Executive Jet and Portuguese business aircraft operator Air Luxor. Former Swiss partner Zimex sold its share in the programme earlier in the year, but continues to perform light maintenance on the seven-strong fleet.
Executive Jet chief executive Richard Santulli and billionaire investor owner Warren Buffett, will embark on a European tour in April to promote the programme, which they believe is being hindered by airport access restrictions at major hubs and a poor aircraft support network. A fleet of 50 aircraft is planned the be in place within five years, including 12 Dassault Falcon 2000s scheduled for delivery from 2000, and around 200 customers. The company is also believed to be considering adding Gulfstream IV-SPs.
Source: Flight International
