Mena Aerospace Enterprises WLL says it expects a vip configured MD83 airliner to attract "very strong" charter business.

Ralph Eisenschmid, coo, says: "Based on preliminary indications received so far there is a lot of serious interest in this aircraft."

The MD83, leased from European charter operator Blue Line and operated by the group's subsidiary MAE Aircraft Management, may be the first in a growing fleet.

"We expect very strong charter activity and we look forward to working with Blue Line towards adding more similar aircraft over time," says Eisenschmid.

The MD83 can be chartered with either 60 or 54 seats in a two-cabin configuration. It will be based at Bahrain airport.

Gareth Evans, Blue Line Group business development director, says that he expects the partnership with Mena and the base in the Middle East to help attract a growing client base.

Separately, MAE Jet Charters WLL has been appointed as the general sales agent for Air Partner plc. "Under the terms of the agreement, MAE Jet Charters will be the exclusive sales channel for Air Partner in Bahrain, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia," Eisenschmid says. "This partnership accelerates our overall corporate strategy to expand our reach in the region. It combines Air Partner's unmatched access to capacity with MENA's regional relationships and networks."

Kevin Ducksbury, Air Partner's director Middle East and Asia, says: "This agreement with Mena will complement our existing business and give us increased reach and penetration into these new markets,"

He says the commercial jets division charters airliners with 20 to 500 seats to move groups of every size.