Biggin Hill-based Markoss Aviation has taken delivery of a managed Hawker 800XP. The aircraft replaces two Hawker 700s which were previously operated by the company. One of the 700s was sold into Russia; the other is on a long-term lease to Club328 in Southampton.

Celebrating the maiden flight of the 800XP to Nice from Biggin Hill on March 20, Markoss Aviation md Graham Waters said: "Since the departure of our two 700s at the end of last year we have been working hard to minimise any delay before the XP entered service.

"To the best of our knowledge, this is the first new 800XP available to the UK charter market. We believe that brokers and our block hour customers will welcome its arrival," he commented.

The company states that it chose the aircraft because it offers greater range, advanced avionics, commonality of type for its crews and lower maintenance costs.

"The XP from the US has an excellent cabin and is a low hours 2003 model, and the maintenance warranty is a great cost saver," commented operations manager Keith Moody.

"With 250 hours already confirmed, we are expecting to achieve in excess of 500 flying hours this year, with the additional business coming from ad hoc charters."

The eight-passenger aircraft, which is available for charter 48 weeks per year, will be available for public charter from March 27. Markoss Aviation anticipates that its main routes will be into Europe and the Middle East, though all charter requests will be considered.

"We are confident the XP has a positive demand in the marketplace," said Moody. The company is planning to add another Hawker 800XP to the fleet within 12 months.