Alex Durand has been appointed to the role of chief executive at UK charter operator and flight support company SaxonAir.

Durand brings to the role over 20 years of experience in the business aviation sector, most recently as UK representative for the ProAir Group, accountable manager of Finesse Executive and prior to that, group managing director for Gregg Air.

"I am delighted to be joining SaxonAir having watched its development with interest," says Durand. "I am also excited about the new opportunities that I can bring through my own established network of industry relationships and experience."

The new appointment has enabled md Chris Mace to take up a new role within SaxonAir's parent company Klyne Aviation, as group commercial director. His primary focus will be to create new business opportunities for the companies within the group, including overseeing marketing activities, and maintaining a proactive commercial focus. Mace welcomes Durand's appointment: "His extensive experience in leadership, business planning and development, operations and safety management will support SaxonAir's future growth and increasing presence in the international business aviation marketplace."

Despite recent economic conditions, SaxonAir reports that it has experienced a 12.5 per cent increase in charter flights flown and a 65 per cent increase in handled flights at Norwich airport since moving into its multi-million pound facility in May 2011.

SaxonAir's clients include many blue chip companies, individual business men and women, sports teams, musicians, the offshore energy industry and many local businesses and private families.

The current charter fleet now consists of five light and midsize jets and two helicopters.