Zurich-based ExecuJet is adding two Challenger 604s to its charter fleet. The company, which already operates around 30 aircraft, will be flying the aircraft on behalf of two different owners. Group procurement manager Peter Hartmann said: “The first 604 was delivered last month and the other is coming in a couple of weeks. We already operate 604s and have a close relationship with Bombardier, so the aircraft will be easily incorporated into the fleet.”

The first 604 to arrive is pre-owned, while the one following is brand new. Hartmann added: “Our current 604s have proved very popular with our charter clients and the Challenger provides the most cabin space of any aircraft in its class. We expect the first of the 604s to get the final okay in two to three weeks and the brand new aircraft should be on our AOC by the end of July. To be honest the pre-owned aircraft is practically brand new as well, because it’s only made around 100 flight hours.”

ExecuJet operates aircraft ranging from Lear 45s to Global Expresses and flies all over the world. Said Hartmann: “Typically our current 604s fly to the Middle East and other destinations around 2,500 to 3,000 miles away and occasionally over to the US. People chartering our aircraft generally are looking for comfort, security and safety, especially with the new rulings on the airlines. Many people are sick of waiting in line and taking their shoes off, which is what has made them rethink their travel needs.”

Hartmann agreed that one of the reasons behind the additions was the fact that the sales market is picking up. “The market’s recovering slowly, although the worldwide economy still seems to be flat. These two people decided to buy the aircraft for their personal needs and we primarily offered to manage them and then arranged to put the aircraft on our AOC.”

Both owners are first-time buyers, Hartmann added: “We were chosen because we have a lot of experience operating longer-range aircraft. We’re constantly expanding our fleet and our operations, so these additions have been ideal.”