The first Global Express to go to a German home will be delivered to the residence of Daimler Chrysler Aviation in December of this year. The automobile giant plans to use the aircraft for travel to the US and Asia, where it currently has many business interests.

EBAN spoke to director of marketing and sales Jonas Kraft about the company’s decision. Kraft said: “The Global Express was a natural choice for the company for several reasons. Firstly, Daimler Chrysler has a need for this type of long-range aircraft because it is quite active in Asia, particularly with the Mitsubishi Group in Japan and also Hyundai in Seoul.

“Secondly the Global Express’ competitor, the GV, is only allowed to fly in Germany for private reasons and doesn't have the type of approval that we need. Clearly, the Global Express and GV are similar aircraft but because of the German law, the decision was made very simple for us.” \r

Daimler Chrysler’s Global Express, says Kraft, will fit into the company style and will accommodate up to 14 passengers, with eight luxury leather seats and two three-seater divans. In addition to the Asian and US travel, it will also be used for missions to destinations such as South Africa.

Kraft added: “We haven’t decided yet how much the Global Express will be used for our own purposes and how much it will be used for charter.”

Meanwhile, Daimler Chrysler has just stepped up its A319CJ corporate shuttle service to Detroit, from three to four times a week. The 44-seat jet will continue to carry company officials to Vittoria in northern Spain, on a twice weekly basis.

In addition to its A319CJ, Daimler Chrysler Aviation operates two Lear 60s and two Challenger 604s from its Stuttgart base.

Said Kraft: “The Lears and the Challengers are used for intra-European flights, although the 604s are also used for African and transatlantic flights.

“When the board is on vacation, Christmas and in August, these aircraft are flying 100 per cent for external customers.”