SaxonAir of Norwich, UK, has signed an agreement to manage a Beechcraft King Air 350 on behalf of owner Gresley Aircraft Services. The King Air has joined SaxonAir's existing mixed charter fleet which ranges from the entry level Citation Mustang to the longer range Hawker 900XP, all of which sit alongside the company's helicopter operation. Its time will be shared between bases in Norwich and Brussels.

The turboprop 350 was chosen by the owner for its mix of comfort, economy and flexibility, serving major business hubs and smaller private airfields. It seats up to nine passengers with good fuel efficiency and lower operating costs, making it a greener option for clients.

Alex Durand, SaxonAir ceo, says: “We are delighted to see the King Air 350 aircraft back onto our charter fleet. The company has operated this type for many years now and our experience has been one of the major factors in the owner choosing us for its management.”

SaxonAir will provide crews, continuing airworthiness and oper-ational support for both owner operated flights and private air charter use when not in operation on behalf of Gresley.

Commercial director Christopher Mace adds: “Brussels is a new operating area for us with this aircraft and it will allow us to address a different client base; being more centrally located means that we can address a much wider charter market.”

Mace is particularly complimentary of the King Air's payload range: “You can very nearly fill it up with full payload and full fuel. The ability of the aircraft to carry an extended family, which is a frequent occurrence for us, makes it a cost effective option for them.

“Even if you look at some midsize aircraft in the light jet category, they are unable to match this payload performance without moving up to a midsize. We can charter this at a very economical per person cost.”

He finishes by saying that the double club four arrangement in the spacious cabin has led many clients to use the 350 over the operator's available jets.