Oxford Aerocharter Limited (Oxaero) has ordered a Cessna Citation Excel during the Farnborough Airshow. The eight-seat medium class jet, new from Cessna, is expected to be delivered in late 2001. Oxaero, 21 years old, became the first UK charterer to operate the Cessna Citation Jet in 1999, and added an Ultra this year. It also operates two Citation I jets.

"In 1998 we made a strategy decision to invest in new technology aircraft," said Captain Jeremy Cooke, Oxaero chairman. "The older aircraft we were operating will become obsolete over the next five years, so we realised the importance of offering our customers aircraft equipped with the latest safety and performance developments."

He added that the Citation Jet and Citation V Ultra had been getting the charter company into smaller airports throughout Europe, and the Excel would add standing up room in the cabin to these routes. Oxaero is also building new hangar and office capabilities at Oxford Airport.