Following the renovation of taxiways and aprons, the terminal building at Varazdin airport in Croatia, home of business jet operator Jung Sky’s maintenance base, has also been refurbished. The roof has been repaired, installations have been upgraded and the rooms in the terminal building have been renovated and are now ready for rent.

One of the hangars at the airport has been rented by Jung Sky, a Croatian operator specialising in private charter flights across Europe. Recognising the economic and touristic potential that this part of the aviation industry can bring to the city of Varazdin and its surrounds, Jung Sky has chosen the airport as home for its Part 145 base maintenance service, targeting Cessna 525, 525A and 525B jets. There is confidence at Jung Sky that the airport can capitalise on its geography.

A Jung Sky spokesperson says: “A lot of business jets need to make technical stops when flying from, for example, Greece or Turkey to Germany or England. Varazdin is right at the centre of Europe and perfect for refuelling and, as of this year, it also offers maintenance services, line and base.”

Jung Sky itself has a fleet of two CJ2s on its AOC, and has established its own Part 145 maintenance operation, one at Zagreb and a second here, because, it says, that is the most expensive part of flying. It wants to reduce maintenance costs while keeping the same level of quality and reliability.

Varazdin airport is situated two kilometres east of the city at an elevation of 547 feet. It is mainly used by people from Slovenia, Hungary, Austria and Germany. The airport is appealing due to its proximity to Zagreb, Ljubljana and Graz. However, there is a growing number of users visiting the city for business or tourism purposes, on business jets from Jung Sky, Avcon Jet and Alibrent.

The airport is licensed for both domestic and international traffic, with a runway oriented at 16/34, measuring 1,611m in length and 30m in width. The asphalt runway, a 3,000sqm apron, hangars, aircraft services and auxiliary rooms in the terminal building make Varazdin airport one of the most comprehensive smaller airports in Croatia.

Varazdin airport is home to numerous pilot schools and is used by police, military and civil rescue helicopters, as well as private users of light and ultralight aircraft.