JetAlliance of Austria has begun operating a Beechjet 400A on behalf of a private client. The aircraft is based in Kiev, Ukraine, and in its first month has clocked up in excess of 50 hours’ flying time for charter clients.

“We are putting a lot of emphasis on outstations at the moment,” said Lukas Lichtner-Hoyer, “especially in the east and southeast. We now have several aircraft based outside Austria and this is the very latest.”

Unusually the owner did not consult with JetAlliance over which aircraft to purchase, choosing instead to follow his own thoughts. “He selected this particular aircraft to suit this corner of the world,” said Lichtner-Hoyer, “He wanted to get his business started on medium to long runs.”

From Kiev, the Beechjet 400A is usually used for missions in the direction of the Middle East, with seven seats and a range of 1,500nm.

The owner’s plan is to purchase a second aircraft and depending on developments in the first month, this could be an aircraft with more range than the 400A.

“It won’t necessarily be the same type,” said Lichtner-Hoyer, “but as an operator of many different types

of aircraft, we will be quite happy whatever it is.”

In order that the operation of the 400A out of Kiev is as smooth as possible, JetAlliance runs an office there in conjunction with the owner. “The demand is such that we’re already using additional aircraft based in Vienna to bring clients over to Kiev to serve the market,” added Lichtner-Hoyer. “So, it has turned out to be quite a good decision for us.”

JetAlliance operates 24 aircraft in total, ranging from a Citation up to an MD-83.