Norwich-based air charter operator SaxonAir has placed an order for its first mid-size jet, a new Hawker 900XP, with delivery expected in spring 2012.

Chris Mace, md of SaxonAir, says: "We are very excited by the new opportunities that the Hawker will offer SaxonAir and its customers. It will allow us to expand our business by offering clients a greater choice of non- stop destinations with an enhanced in-flight exper-ience. We considered several other aircraft in its class, however the 900XP delivered a combination of range, speed, payload and comfort that we could not find in any other mid-size jet."

The 900XP can travel 2,600nm carrying up to eight passengers in a stand-up cabin with galley and full-sized private lavatory. SaxonAir will be offering the aircraft for private charter with many of the same on-board creature comforts that one would expect to find on larger sized jets; a benefit that operations manager Lee McGahan describes as "right-sizing".

"We feel it is important to provide our clients with the same level of service and on-board benefits that they might be used to on super mid-size and heavy jets," he says

"A multilingual flight attendant, hot food, satellite telephone and wireless internet connection will all be included as part of the first class cabin service. After all, the aircraft may be occupied for hours at a time, and it is important that the client feels as comfortable and 'at home' as possible."

Sean McGeough, Hawker Beechcraft president for Europe, Middle East and Africa, says: "We know that SaxonAir carried out a very thorough review of the market before placing this order. It's a testament to all of the team at Hawker Beechcraft and a reflection of SaxonAir's previous experience with our aircraft that they have selected the 900XP.

"Having our own service centre close by in Chester was also seen as beneficial in maximising aircraft availability, with the whole package providing better value and a competitive advantage to SaxonAir's business."

SaxonAir has experienced a 12.5% increase in charter flights flown and a 65% increase in handled flights since moving into its new £7.9m facility at Norwich airport last May.

Its current fleet now consists of a Hawker 400XP, a King Air 350, a Citation Mustang, and Eurocopter EC120 and EC135 helicopters at Norwich, a second Mustang at Thessaloniki in Greece, and a EC135 at Redhill near London Gatwick.