Stansted-based Titan Airways has taken delivery of a brand new Beech King Air B200 which, it says, is unique in the UK because it comes equipped with a freight door.

Commercial manager Alastair Kiernan told EBAN: “We chose the aircraft initially for our own use – for crew movements and for the rescue of any aeroplanes which develop technical problems. However, another factor in us buying the aircraft is the freight door that it has on the side. This gives the aircraft a much more versatile role.”

The freight door measures 132cm by 132cm and says Titan, is ideal for the carriage of urgent AOG spares for airlines; for freight; and also for air ambulance work as the aircraft is fitted with a stretcher modification.

Titan Airways hasn’t carried out any air ambulance work since the aircraft’s delivery in November because it has only just received certification for the stretcher modification. However, now that it is ready for medevac charter, Kiernan says business will likely come in the form of holiday-maker repatriations and urgent transplant flights.

In its vip configuration, Titan’s King Air B200 sports leather seats, tables ideal for laptop work, and a galley area for catering. It also has eight leather, polarised windows and says the company, is tastefully colour-coordinated throughout.

Said Kiernan: “It’s ideal for business charter around the UK and to certain destinations in Europe. It’s also good for pop groups who need short hops. The aircraft’s nonstop range is around 1400nm, which gives you about four hours flying with a six-passenger load. Sensibly, the furthest you’d probably want to travel is down to Nice and Northern Italy.”

Primarily an airline, Titan Airways has no other business aircraft in its fleet although it used to operate a Citation I. Said Kiernan: “We decided to sell it a couple of years ago. It wasn’t a particularly busy aircraft because there were a lot of small jets in the marketplace and we wanted to concentrate on the airlines side of the company.

“However, we felt the King Air was so unique with its freight door that it was worth buying.”

He added: “It’s an ideal business aircraft. It’s as fast as a CitationJet but cheaper, can travel at 40,000 feet without a problem and it’s quiet.

“For vip charter, you’d be looking at between £950 to £1,100 per hour, as a rough guide. That would be the direct operating cost and then you’d have the handling and landing costs on top of that.”

Also based at London Stansted are London Executive Aviation (LEA). Said Kiernan: “We’re not here to directly compete with anyone, we’re here to work with people. There’s enough work to go round.”

Titan says it can be airborne within 60 minutes, whichever the configuration.