European Business Jets UK has launched a fractional ownership scheme to attract charter customers looking for an alternative to business class air travel.

The company began operating a CJ1 in June of this year and has placed orders for a further four aircraft,

in response to the demand for services. It hopes to attract clients in the UK and Europe and provide

a more affordable option to business travellers.

The response for the service so far has been tremendous, according to chief executive Graeme Deary. Despite the presence (and, some may say, dominance) of NetJets within the fractional ownership sector, he

is confident that the demand is already for there European Business Jets’ operations.

“We aren’t planning to compete directly with NetJets,” he said. “We will be operating smaller aircraft and targeting clients predominantly within Europe, offering them an efficient, affordable solution.”

When asked why the company was launching the scheme now, Deary said there has never been a better time. “We’re not competing as such; in fact, we’re expanding the market. The most interest we’ve had is from people who’ve never used charter services before.

“There are plenty of aircraft available to choose from, the aviation market is booming and people are more and more concerned about security, so there’s more demand for private business travel.”