Cirrus Aviation has announced ambitious expansion plans for the coming year. It is expecting

the delivery of a Global XRS and an Embraer Legacy in December and January, followed by a Challenger 300 and a Learjet 40 in September 2006.

Cirrus is hoping to tap into the top end of the executive jet market, where it believes there is less competition than in other segments of the business jet sector and greater opportunities to operate successfully.

The company is also developing its support network. This includes its subsidiary in the Middle East, predominantly in the expanding market in the Gulf States; the French and Italian charter sector within its European operations; and Cirrus UK, which it says is focusing on an 'important market' which is, according to md Stefan Buschle, 'a gateway to the US charter market.'

As well as developing new growth areas, Buschle also highlights the increasing demand for executive charter aircraft in Russia and the Ukraine.

Cirrus already operates a number of aircraft, including two Challenger 604s, two Learjet 60s, two Learjet 40s and one Learjet 45. The fleet is less than two years old, making it one of the youngest in the sector.

Buschle explained the reasons for the addition of the Global XRS to the fleet: "We chose the aeroplane because it is one of the biggest executive jets on the market. It has a range of 14 to 16 hours, which means you can fly almost to virtually any point on Earth without having to refuel. And it's a 14-seater so there's a lot of space. It's the Rolls Royce of this aircraft type and our customers think so too."

The company has already received two bookings for the aircraft. "I am confident that we will be able to charter to full capacity and continue to grow," he added.

Cirrus recently launched a subsidiary in the UK (see EBAN's November issue). Commenting on the move, Buschle said: "We see an increased demand for new aircraft and the creation of our London base is a strategic move."