UK businessman Barry Fehler is among entrepreneurs who have turned the fall in pre-owned aircraft prices to their advantage.

Fehler has acquired a Beechjet 400A which he says cost him half of what he could have expected to pay before the occurrence global economic downturn. "That effectively means I can enjoy two years of 'free' flying," says Fehler. "With a cruising speed of well over 500 mph, the Beechjet's performance compares well with a commercial B737 or Airbus 320 which means I can have a morning business meeting in the UK and still make it to my Malaga home by early afternoon."

He adds: "The Beechjet can comfortably accommodate six people and with a range of nearly 2,000 miles I can fly direct to pretty much anywhere in Europe or North Africa.

"Having my own jet really works for me. For example, if I travel by commercial airline the only business class seats available out of London airports are from Heathrow and the timings are inconvenient. I often need to do a day's business in London but I can't get an early morning business class departure from Malaga to any London airport and be back in the evening."

The Beechjet 400A was acquired through Atlantic Bridge Aviation (ABA) and is chartered through ABA's charter service division World Executive Airways.

ABA md Jonathan Gordon says: "Used jet prices have hit rock bottom following a two year slump. Anyone making the right purchase will see their asset appreciate as the economy begins to recover."

But Gordon advises those who are tempted to buy not to wait too long: "Once price guide indications show pre-owned values beginning to firm up, some owners will hang on before selling to ensure they get the best price."

The Beechjet 400A was found by ABA in the US. Fehler says: "Purchasing the aircraft through ABA took the stress and worry out of the deal. I was kept informed each step of the way through sourcing, re-fitting and delivery and it has worked out very well."