Aircraft parts expert AJ Walter Aviation has upgraded from its Challenger 604 to a Global 5000 long-range jet. "America is a key market within AJW's business growth strategy," says company president Christopher Whiteside. "We can now fly direct from London to Miami and vice versa all year round.

"It flies higher and faster, there is more room for client entertaining and it has significantly more ramp presence, which is commensurate with AJW's brand profile."

AJW also considered the Falcon 900, Gulfstream 550, BBJ and ACJ. "But considering the size and scope of our business, as well as our global ambitions over the short term, the Global ticked all our boxes. Plus we were an existing Bombardier customer and anticipate enjoying the same quality and reliability," says Whiteside.

The company had operated the 604 for five years and reportedly only had a technical issue on one occasion.

The Global has been refurbished with broadband internet and a full new interior. The exterior is protected with Permaguard and has a unique branded paint scheme which is likely to change annually.

Meanwhile, as reported in EBAN July, in partnership with its business aircraft sales and acquisition broker, Loudoun Aviation, Inc, AJW has extended its commercial spare parts and power by the hour programmes to owners and operators of corporate Boeing and Airbus aircraft, primarily BBJ and ACJ, but also corporate conversions from airliners. AJW has identified that more than 400 aircraft globally fall into this category.

UK-based vip charter and aircraft management company Acropolis Aviation has already chosen AJW to provide leasing pool access support for its A319, and the globally-based Comlux Aviation Group is using its vip services for its B767 and Airbus fleet. Global Jet Luxembourg will be working with AJW for exchange, loan and repair management on its Boeing and Airbus fleets.

"We recognise that BBJ and ACJ operators have completely different needs to our airline customers so we have worked hard to refine our approach to this specialist sector," explains Whiteside. "The efficient operation of our own GX aircraft across the world means we are ideally placed to share our expertise with this new market sector."