Holland’s Tulip Air is currently in talks to expand its managed aircraft fleet. While the company has traditionally operated turboprop aircraft, the target aircraft are now light jets. Said a spokesman: “We find that, of the people who have the means to acquire this type of aircraft, many are interested in our services. A light jet is obviously appealing because it is able to make a direct trip to somewhere like Malaga without any stops.”

Tulip Air’s existing fleet numbers two Navajo Chieftains, two Cessna 406s, two Beechcraft 200s and one Jetstream 31. Of these, two are managed and the rest fall under Tulip’s ownership.

The Chieftains are used as part of a scheduled service to transport valuables from Amsterdam to Antwerp; the 200s are used purely for executive flights to destinations across Europe and with a maximum of 18 passengers, the Jetstream is deployed on the ad hoc charter market.

Asked about the fortunes of the company business curing the past year, the spokesman said: “We thought the events of September 11 would trigger an increase in business – it’s a private aircraft and all the passengers know each other. However, it’s actually been a bit slower than normal.

“The best reason I can find is that the economic situation is poor. It’s clearly goes worldwide it’s knocked on to us in Holland as well.”