The UK’s J-Max Air Services has bought a Falcon 900EX, which it hopes to charter along with its Hawker 800XP. Chief pilot Tony Barton explained the origins of J-Max: “I started flying for a private family based in the north in April 2000.

“We bought a brand new Hawker 800XP, and we’ve operated it for two and a half years, flying 2,000 hours. Since then we’ve completed a hangar for it.”

The company now hangars other aircraft on a contract basis as well as carrying out executive handling at Blackpool. “We run an FBO facility which houses a vip lounge and services. In May we then acquired an Agusta 109 Power Elite, which is used for the family and also select charter customers,” said Barton.

The Falcon 900EX was brought in to replace the Hawker 800XP, but the company is now debating whether to operate both aircraft simultaneously. “Currently we are still operating the Hawker as well, and we’re evaluating putting both aircraft on the charter market. We have an eye on the aircraft as a commodity, but there is a usage for it here – both in backing up the Falcon and for charter,” he said.

The owners chose the EX for the greater luggage space and range. “Although the family mainly travels round Europe most of the time, they also wanted the capability to make it over to the Caribbean, the Middle East and occasionally the Far East. It has a fairly standard interior which the family chose and seats fourteen,” added Barton.

“I believe the 900EX is popular on the charter market and basically it will help bring in a bit of income from what is an expensive asset to own and maintain. The aircraft would be put on our own AOC, which we’re currently working towards.

“The aircraft had to move on to an AOC anyway, because the family wanted their company to get

some use out of it. As a private operator, this wouldn’t really be allowed. The family do fly extensively, so there’s little space for charter, but certainly with the second aircraft it will work.”

J-Max has decided to put off the decision of selling the 800XP, while the resale market continues to be soft. Nevertheless, the market paid dividends for the company as a purchaser. “It was a brand new aircraft and obviously manufacturers are giving good deals at the moment.

“Buying new gives a new warranty, airframe, avionics and engines, and you don’t have the worry about

the history of it. The Hawker was also brand new and that has been 100 per cent reliable. It’s been a wonderful aircraft for the family, and I only hope that the Falcon gives as good service,” he said.

Speaking of the future, Barton concluded: “In April 2000 we had one Hawker and no hangar – now we have a hangar and three aircraft.

“We regularly handle aircraft at Blackpool from our executive facility, including Falcon 2000s, GIVs and NetJets. The company has expanded dramatically in two and a half years and there are other things in the pipeline.”