Albion Aviation has taken delivery a Citation V, which will be based at Biggin Hill airport. The company, which received its AOC in October, purchased the aircraft from Euralair on behalf of three owners.

"In the last year, a gentleman I knew in the housing development industry said he wanted to buy an aeroplane, so we got together and purchased the Citation V," commented Albion Aviation's owner, Michael Connor.

He anticipates that the aircraft will log between 100 to 150 hours from private use, and is hoping for an additional 150 hours from charter flights.

"The principle user lives in Shoreham, where the aeroplane has the performance to operate but not for public transport. As we wanted to offer it for charter, to operate from an airport with full IFR facilities and jet capability, the choice was Biggin Hill, Gatwick or Northolt, and Biggin Hill seemed the best compromise.

"Another reason we chose Biggin Hill is because it is affordable," Connor added.