Austria-based charter operator Business Express, formerly named Luftfahrzeug-Vermietungs-Dienst, has added a new aircraft to its charter fleet.

It took delivery of a Citation 525 in November 2005 and began operating it in January. Cost was one of the primary reasons the company selected the aircraft type, according to md Guenther Matheis, but other factors also came into consideration.

"The 525 is an excellent aeroplane for its range and it suits our operations because we aim to accommodate three to four passengers at a time," he explained.

The CitationJet is a popular aircraft in Europe, with operators such as Aero-Charter Krifka, BFS Bedarfsflug and Jetalliance among those in Austria chartering the 525. The market for the aeroplane in nearby Germany is the biggest in Europe, with more than 25 companies operating the model.

The aircraft will be based in Vienna and will operate within central and eastern Europe. Although the majority of business comes from Russia and Austria, Matheis would like to further develop the charter market in Italy, which he says has been weak compared to some of its neighbours in Europe.

Later this year Business Express plans to establish a special pick-up service for its Austria-based customers to transport them to the airport.

As well as its charter operations, the company generates business from another source; the transportation of radioactive medical cargo. Business Express is one of only a few companies with a special license to transport cargo of this type.

"It's a very difficult procedure," Matheis said. "You must undergo training every two years and the rules vary dramatically from country to country."

Transporting the cargo accounts for about half of the company's operations, flying between 150 to 200 hours per year.