Geneva-based Comlux Aviation will expand its fleet to six with the delivery of a next generation Challenger 605 widebody business jet, which is due to arrive in the winter of 2007. The aircraft will join Comlux's five business jets used for private, business and group charter.

Ettore Rodaro, ceo of the Luxembourg-based Comlux, said: "The Eastern European market is growing. At present we are seeing a growth pattern of 30 per cent in Europe, 50 per cent in Eastern Europe and 20 per cent in the Middle East."

He said clients liked the Challenger 604's large cabin, range and reliability. He was confident that the Challenger 605's restyled interior, larger windows and advanced cabin electronic system would prove even more appealing.

Bob Horner, vp of sales, Europe, Africa and the Middle East for Bombardier Aircraft, said: "This launch order marks the beginning of a new European era for the widebody Challenger aircraft."

More than 75 Challenger jets are currently based in Europe, including several in vip transport configuration, flying government officials in the Czech Republic, Denmark, Germany and Croatia.

The Challenger 605 flight deck is equipped with the Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 avionics suite.

Horner said: "A combination of new materials and technologies, together with the new lighter flight deck, will reduce the overall total weight of the Challenger 605 jet by 91 kilos from the Challenger 604. This translates to more payload flexibility."

He added: "The Challenger 605 can offer the same range as its predecessor but with an extra passenger on board."

* Bombardier has named OMNI Aviacao, based in Cascais, Portugal, as exclusive sales representative

for Bombardier Learjet in France and Portugal.

* Judith Moreton, md of Bombardier Skyjet International, is looking to develop business in Russia. She reports increased business from India, China, South America and Africa.

* Global Wings of Osaka, Japan, is the Asian launch customer for the Challenger 605. President Tak Masa-mura said the jet would fly charter throughout Asia and there were plans to develop European business.