PrivatAir Group has announced that it is constructing a private terminal in Geneva, is investing US$1.1m in ground handling services at Le Bourget and has entered into a four-year partnership with travel company, INTRAV.

Located to the west of the main Geneva passenger terminal, PrivatAir’s terminal will be completed by the end of this year. “We are committed to setting the standards for private air travel and are actively looking at other opportunities within Europe to extend our ground handling operations,” PrivatAir Group’s ceo David Hurley.

Following the purchase of Transair’s ground handling services at Paris Le Bourget, PrivatAir Group also plans to rapidly upgrade these facilities.

Work has already started on a $1.1 million renovation programme due to be finished by the end of 2001 and includes the refurbishment of hangars and on-site meeting facilities.

“With our new facilities in Paris and Geneva, customers will be able to avoid crowded main terminals and maximise their time before flying for work, entertainment or relaxation. Behind the scenes we are working to ensure that everything is running smoothly including baggage handling, smooth customs and immigration clearance and of course timely departures,” added Hurley.

The group has also just agreed to a four-year partnership with deluxe-tour operator INTRAV, owned by Kuoni Travel Group.

PrivatAir’s Boeing Business Jets already provide INTRAV’S leisure travellers with private-jet journeys to destinations that include Europe, Nepal, India, South America, Africa and soon Australia.

INTRAV also has plans to offer around-the-world tours with PrivatAir’s BBJs, which have been configured to accommodate 48 and 16 travellers respectively.