Luxaviation Group has added 10 aircraft to its global fleet since the start of 2020, including the world's first delivery of Bombardier's Global 5500.

Group CEO Patrick Hansen says: “More than ever before, aircraft owners are looking for an experienced company to guide them through the COVID-19 pandemic and ensure their aircraft are managed under the highest safety and hygiene regulations, particularly when used for charter. Aircraft owners trust us to provide world-class management services. The current circumstances are persuading many owners of the benefits of a global network like ours, which uses a broad charter market and economies of scale to offer a cost-efficient, high end and, above all, safe ownership experience.

“We have seen a significant increase in newcomers to the industry, for charter and for aircraft purchases. This is a bright spot for global operators such as Luxaviation. We're confident that the controlled, safe cabin experience, coupled with charter's flexible, on-demand model, will convince many first-time users of the value of private jets as a tool for leisure and business travel, ultimately growing our customer base across the globe.”

The new aircraft will enable Luxaviation to service charter demand, particularly in Europe where the industry is starting to see an uptick in activity following the launch of travel corridors across the region. While business aviation traffic remains depressed compared to 2019 levels, requests from first-time business jet users have risen due to the health concerns associated with commercial travel, as well as a limited choice of routes and frequencies from airlines.

Seven of the aircraft, including the Global 5500, will be based in Europe, with models comprising two Gulfstream G550s, a Pilatus PC-24, a Falcon 7X, a Global 5000 and an Embraer Legacy 650. All the aircraft apart from one G550 will be available for charter. In addition, ExecuJet Africa, part of the Luxaviation Group, has added two new aircraft this year to its fleet, a Gulfstream GIV and a Cessna 560 Citation V, both available for charter.