Paris-based Jet Solutions is the latest French company to offer charter brokerage to the European and worldwide market. Ceo Cedric Lescop told EBAN: “I decided to create Jet Solutions because I believed we could ofer something new to the market.

“There are very few brokers in France, in comparison with somewhere like England. French customers looking to charter an aircraft will generally have to phone operators direct, which means they may receive inappropriate aircraft. We try to find the latest and highest quality aircraft which perfectly fits the need of the customer.”

The company has selected what it considers to be the best handling agents across France to cater for its clients. “For example, in Paris we use Dassault Falcon Service so the customer always has the same departure point.

“Then, whether we charter from Unijet, Occitania or whoever, we’ll taxi the aircraft to Dassault Falcon Service. We are trying to offer continuity to our customers, so as well as the same FBOs we also employ a freelance stewardess, who has been trained to the highest standard, so there is always a familiar face onboard,” said Lescop.

Customers can also take advantage of the online service CharterX, which the company has subscribed to, allowing individuals to find aircraft online themselves. “We’re looking to attract customers from all over Europe, the US and the Middle East.

“We began flying a few months ago and are happy with the results – just last week we chartered a

Falcon X and a Beechjet 200. Our client base is growing steadily, although there are not a huge number because of the current economic situation,” said Lescop.

Asked whether this was an ideal time to start such a company, Lescop replied: “Obviously it’s not a good period for the industry, but I believe it’s better to arrive in the business at bad times rather than good times. We spend every day on the telephone and have adopted a fairly aggressive marketing policy.

“I’m now very confident about the future and feel we’ll be able to seduce the customer with good service, an excellent stewardess, top quality aircraft and the best FBOs.”

Lescop, a pilot himself, runs the company with Victor Baguès, who previously worked at Air France and Dassault Falcon Service. Despite being ambitious, there are no plans for the two to branch into operating in the future.

“When you operate, you don’t really make any money.

“Our priority is charter but

we’ll also be involving ourselves in sales brokering and management,” he added.