UK charterer Gama Aviation has signed an order for two Learjet 45 aircraft for delivery in September and October 2001. The new aircraft, which will replace Gama’s existing Learjet 35s, will operate alongside its well-established Raytheon King Air 200 fleet.

In explaining the thinking behind the company's recent acquisitions, Managing Director Marwan Khalek said: “The Learjet 45 offers a significant improvement in comfort levels for our passengers, a very important point for us at Gama. It has the latest DVD-based entertainment system, a contained galley and an enclosed washroom. These all combine to provide our customers with a very comfortable and relaxing environment.

“The Auxiliary Power Units that will be fitted will allow full air conditioning on the ground. This

is a definite advantage allowing the temperature inside the aircraft to be maintained at a comfortable level for passengers and crew wherever the location.”

Khalek added: “We have been looking at fleet upgrades for some time now; having reviewed all of the aircraft currently available in the market we decided that the comfort levels combined with the reliability and service we always received from Bombardier Learjet makes the 45 the obvious choice for us at Gama.

“We're very excited about this development. With our worldwide AOC, it means that we can serve

the charter and ambulance market more fully than we can with our current jet.”

The Learjet 45 operates up to 51,000 feet at speeds up to 460 knots. With a range of over 2,000nm the aircraft can fly non-stop over routes such as Tenerife-Glasgow, London-Cairo, and London-Tbilisi. \r

In its ambulance role the aircraft will be equipped with two LifePort stretcher systems. “Gama has a long and successful history in air ambulance work” said operations manager Paul Cremer, “and we see the Learjet 45 continuing and also increasing our position in this important area.”

The acquisition of the Lear 45s continues the Gama policy of fleet development and enhancement. Founded in 1984 at Fairoaks, it has now expanded to all airports in the London area, including Heathrow. Over its 17 year history, Gama has operated aircraft types in all categories from light piston twins to jets. Its base at Aberdeen Airport in Scotland is the centre for its operations north of the border, including the 24-hour King Air contract with the Scottish Ambulance Service.