Xclusive Jet Charter has added a Beech C90 King Air to its management fleet. The company, which is based

at Bournemouth Airport, UK, also operates a Citation I and is seeking to further expand its AOC in the

near future.

Said md Steve Loveridge: “The aircraft was returned to the G-register last August and, with the owner, we got it re-certified and brought its main-tenance up to date and converted it for UK public transport. The whole process was slightly longer winded than anticipated, but we started operating it for charter in April.”

So far the operation has been 75 per cent in favour of the owner, with the remaining 25 per cent of its time occupied by charter clients but, says Loveridge, that is set to reverse in favour of commercial charter operations.

“It’s due in for a maintenance inspection in June, after which things will really get going,” he said. “We’re looking at getting a minimum of 400 hours. This is achievable as the aircraft is ideally suited for its role.”

Xclusive believes that the C90 is suited for flights to UK mainland, Ireland and central European destinations. “With a cruise speed of 240 knots, the aircraft will meet the demands of clients who wish to make short range flights.”

Loveridge believes that the clients who use the Citation I may opt to fly with the C90, as it offers a more econ-omical, efficient solution for shorter trips. “If a less expensive aeroplane can do the job equally as well, then why should they spend more money?”

Since it began operating in 2002, the company has enjoyed a steady increase in demand for charter flights and notes that there is renewed vigour in the charter market on the south coast of England. Plans for the future include introducing a brand-new Citation Encore onto the AOC.

The aircraft is scheduled for

delivery in early 2006. Xclusive is also looking into acquiring other aircraft types, including the Citation II and a Hawker 125 variant, which may be operated privately.

The company is currently undergoing a rebranding process, with a new website and logo due for completion in the middle of this year.