A Citation 525 belonging to Cypriot service company Vasterival, which has been added to the AOC of Switzerland’s Sky Work, is proving ideal for both companies.

Sky Work vice president Nicholas Gribi told EBAN: “The 525 was ideal for them as the range fitted the destinations they wanted to travel to. It’s also ideal for us because our customers are often based in Switzerland and this can fly south or north and reach most places in Europe,” said Gribi.

The 1998 manufactured aircraft is standard equipped, with club seating and a six person configuration. “We operate a Citation Eagle and I think these aircraft are quite similar. It’s very flexible and also works well out of alpine airports, which we often use,” said Gribi.

Sky Work often works with a customers wishing to buy a new aircraft. Gribi explained: “If a client wants us to manage an aircraft, we will discuss with them which would be most suitable for both our needs. The goal for everyone is to fly a lot of hours, so we would only consider managing aircraft which will incorporate well into our fleet.”

The 525 complements the rest of the company's Citation-based fleet, which includes two Excels, a Citation V Ultra and a Citation Eagle. “Currently our aircraft are from a sole manufacturer, but if we were to fly long range we would probably look at Challengers and Falcons.

In fact a good customer of ours has asked us to investigate this matter and we have been looking at aircraft aside from Cessna’s to fit the role,” he added.

Around 50 per cent of Sky Work’s customers are based domestically, with the rest coming from around Europe.

“The domestic charter market is certainly not growing here at the moment, but it’s not deteriorating either. In my opinion it won’t improve until the general economy picks up,” said Gribi.

Started in 1983 at Bern-Belpmoos airport, Sky Work grew from a one-man operation with just one

jet. The firm’s founder was already well known for his work in several aircraft companies and the company believes this reputation to have been the catalyst for the firm’s initial growth.