The UK's Northampton-based Md Air is negotiating to add a Mustang to its Britten-Norman Islander and build a managed fleet based on the two aircraft types at the re-launched Coventry airport.

Nigel Jones-Blackett, md, says: "The managed aircraft side is on schedule to expand strongly early next year and will complement the well-established training side under Capt Ian Sixsmith which qualifies pilots to fly AOC."

The Islander, which has been operating out of Wellesbourne, is managed on behalf of Metachem Diagnostics, a laboratory specialising in research into cancer and genetics. Jones-Blackett says the aircraft offers short haul charter with two pilots at competitive rates for up to eight passengers.

"The outlay is roughly half that demanded by operators of private jets and the prices are attractive when compared with the total individual rail fares that might accompany the practical alternatives," Jones-Blackett adds. "The 800 kilogram luggage storage capability is also a good marketing point. The Islander obviously appeals to those who need to reach remote areas as well as executives whose budgets would not otherwise justify the expense of a private business flight."

Recent trips include a group attending a 50th birthday party in Oban in the West Highlands of Scotland while the Isle of Man and Channel Islands are also within reach of its optimum 90 minutes to two-hour flying range.

Jones-Blackett says: "The owner of the Mustang intends to fly 50 to 60 hours a year and this would give us the capability to offer the complementary alternative of flights further afield into Europe."

Marc Watkins, bdm of Coventry airport, says: "We are talking to operations such as Md Air and building a mix of private and scheduled operations. The framework should be in place for a take-off of business early next year."