Southampton-based operator Club328 plans to operate a six-strong fleet of Beechcraft Premier IA light jets plus refurbished Dornier 328s to meet growing European demand for business and leisure flights.

Club328 expects to take delivery of four new Beechcraft Premier IA jets by the end of this year, adding to the two aircraft it acquired in January. Mike Farge, ceo, said: "They have been booked solidly for both leisure and business purposes."

The company reports a 50 per cent increase in bookings for leisure travel. Said Farge: "We have seen an increasing number of charter requests from both individuals and the important aircraft broker fraternity for smaller aircraft to accommodate flights for an average of four people."

The firm intends to base its third Premier in the South of France, targeting holidaymakers. Powered by Williams Rolls FJ44-2A turbofans, the Premier IA has a maximum cruise speed of 420kts and a range

of 1,460nm.

Club328 also plans to operate a fleet of refitted and upgraded Dornier 328 jets in Europe. 328 Support Services GmbH has signed an agreement with Mikado Capital of BVI to return four previously stored Dornier 328 jets to service. Work has started at its Oberpfaffenhofen, facilities near Munich on the first

two aircraft.

One aircraft will incorporate Flight Level 35 flying capability, and SFAR 88 (fuel mod) with an interior customised for 19 seats, featuring wood veneers, marble inserts and suede upholstery. The other three 328 jets will be configured with full business class 'Envoy' 14-seat layout.

Farge commented: "The Dornier will prove fantastic aircraft for Europe. They are very spacious and have good headroom. These four are the first batch. The plan is to get six into service and move this rapidly up to 12 that are strategically placed around Europe."

Two of these aircraft could be based in the south of France with others in Germany. Taking charge of the

19-seat aircraft will be newly-appointed European sales manager Nando Distler, who previously

worked for Cirrus Airlines as charter sales manager.

Based in Oberpfaffenhofen - the location of Club328 sister company 328 Support Services - Distler hopes to win new corporate accounts. "Germany is a buoyant market, as well as the new EU counties like the Czech Republic, Slovakia and the Baltic states, and I'm very much looking forward to this new challenge," he said.

Club328 already operates one Dornier 328 Jet and one 328 Corporate Turboprop.