Homac Aviation has launched a new business jet department. The company identified a gap in the market for small business jet operators in Switzerland, when an existing operator in Friedrichshafen, Germany, closed down. It has also bought a maintenance facility in the area.

Homac Executive, which will operate from Friedrichshafen, has acquired its first aircraft – a Citation 550 Bravo – which will be used to provide a European air taxi service, and the company believes that the majority of clients will come from Switzerland and southern Germany.

The company bought the Bravo from a German operator and hopes to achieve certification and begin operating within one month – it usually takes around three months in Switzerland, according to sales manager René Muller.

The previous operator had its own AOC in Luxembourg, which has been reactivated, making Homac one of around 10 companies to have its own AOC, which can bring tax advantages and may help the company to attract firms looking for a suitable aircraft management firm.

If Homac Executive performs well over the coming months, ceo Paul Hoegen hopes to acquire a second aircraft, this time from the mid-size jet market. As the company is a very recent venture, Homac is currently using freelance pilots. It hopes to recruit more staff when possible.