Germany’s Bonair is once again offering its Challenger 600 for charter, after it was recently completely overhauled. General sales director Dirk Müller said: “We took over the Challenger last year on a lease contract, but after two months the owner (Mr Bader) decided to put it into maintenance, where it remained until recently. A new engine has been put in and a completely new interior, so it basically looks like a brand

new aircraft.”

Bonair’s involvement with the aircraft came about last year when it bought fellow Germans MTM Aviation. “The company’s previous owner Mr Bader decided to sell the company after he had a heart attack and as we had a very good relationship with him, we were able to secure a good price. He still owns the Challenger which we’re leasing and this has worked out far more economical for us than buying a new aircraft,” said Müller.

The Challenger adds to a fleet which currently includes a Dornier 328, Lear 55 and Beech King Air 200. “The Challenger has fitted perfectly into our fleet. There is a good market for the aircraft worldwide and especially from the British and Russian brokers.

“I anticipate it will be doing a great deal of work flying from Russia over to Western Europe. It can carry up to 16 passengers and what with the new inflight entertainment system, carpet and upholstering, it’s a really sexy aircraft,” he added.

The company says its market has significantly improved since September 11. “We’ve discovered that a number of businessmen now want to know what luggage the aircraft is carrying and who’s sitting next to them. A fair number of our customers are German businessmen, but we also have regular contracts with sports teams, including FC Bayern Munich,” said Müller.

Bonair is now in negotiations to add another aircraft within the next six months, although at present Müller was unable to reveal further details.