Signature Aircraft Engineering, London Luton, has signed two major maintenance agreements with Dassault Aviation.

The agreements are for the support of NetJets Europe’s fleet of Falcon 2000 aircraft and for the support of the National Air Services’ fleet of Falcon 2000 aircraft based in Saudi Arabia.

Peter Whitehead, ceo of BBA Aviation Europe, said: "This further strengthens Signature’s strong relationship with NetJets worldwide, but particularly at Luton where we already support the Hawker aircraft."

Nigel Plumb, Signature’s director of engineering, believes that this will have a significant impact on business growth in the next few years. "NetJets already has two 900s and five Falcon 2000s here today, but current plans are for six more over the next couple of years," he said.

"These agreements confirm Signature at London Luton as the only significant base in the UK for Falcon 900 and 2000 aircraft."

The renewable contracts will run until the end of 2004.

The FBO at London Luton became part of BBA Aviation in 2000, under the Signature brand. A new hangar facility has been approved and will be commissioned in May 2002. London Luton continues to be a busy airport for corporate travellers with over 11,500 movements last year.