Bahrain-based MAE Aircraft Management has increased its managed fleet to four with the recent addition of a Challenger 605, the first of the type for the MENA Aerospace Enterprises subsidiary.

The Challenger will operate alongside a Legacy 600 and two Boeing 737's from its aircraft base at Bahrain International Airport, although the company itself is headquartered at the adjoining military airfield of Muharraq. The aircraft will be operated on behalf of its owner for private flights and third party charters.

Ralph Eisenschmid, the group's ceo, says: "We are delighted to add the Challenger to the fleet. We certainly appreciate the opportunity to be of service to the aircraft's owner. The 605 is very popular among the region's charter market, and we look forward to serving the market with it."

MENA Aerospace was established in 2004 and is wholly Bahraini owned, now employing in excess of 60 people at its offices and facilities located in various areas of Bahrain. MAE Aircraft Management was granted its AOC in January 2009 for commercial passenger and cargo services.

Other MENA subsidiaries include MAE Jet Charters, which sells and coordinates vvip and corporate travel on chartered business jets, SA MENA Avionics, a Part 145 and 147 approved MRO that specialises in the installation, maintenance and repair of avionic and electronic systems on board aircraft, and MAE Aviation Real Estate, a developer and operator of a private aviation complex including a 6,400 sq m hangar at Bahrain International Airport.