London City Airport Jet Centre is to diversify into commercial charter services with the acquisition of a Falcon 900EX. Md Richard Gooding said: “By acquiring the 900EX, which is due for delivery at the end of

July 2002, we will be able to extend our service to offer the complete corporate aviation package – including commercial charter for any individual or organisation. The Jet Centre will both operate and manage the aircraft and we have applied for our AOC and operating licence.”

The trijet engine design of the 900EX makes it suitable for operating in and out of smaller airports, such as London City. The airport is soon hoping for the Citation Excel and Embraer Legacy to be included on

the list of transatlantic aircraft certified to handle the steep runway approach. “Since launching the Jet Centre back in December 2001 we have already experienced a 20 per cent increase in traffic.

“The certification of our aircraft is in addition to the Runway Reconfiguration Programme, the construction of the new FBO and the additional parking apron. In total this investment will exceed $40 million and depending on market demand we are prepared to invest further,” said Gooding.

Meanwhile the Jet Centre has also announced the appointment of Simon Newbould as head of operations and chief pilot. Prior to joining, Newbould was chief pilot and aviation manager at United Pan-European Communications Services. In a previous position as chief pilot with Shell Aircraft, he operated the first Falcon 50 for Shell into London City Airport, which apparently marked the start of the airport’s interest in corporate aviation.