German operator Jet Executive International Charter has bought a Learjet 35 from Phoenix Air of Munich which is ceasing operations to coincide with owner retirement.

Guenter Krahe, Jet Executive ground operations manager, said: "This takes our fleet to four aircraft. Three years ago we had two. So our fleet has doubled in three years which is a great achievement for our size of company."

Krahe said that the Learjet 35 acquisition was part of a step-by-step expansion programme.

Munich would stay the base for the purchased Learjet 35. "It gives us service advantages. Munich will bring many new destinations into service range," Krahe added.

The Learjet 35 has a zero-wind non-stop capability of 1,900nm. Non-stop flights to destinations such as the Canary Islands will be offered as a standard service. The aircraft will enable expansion of Jet Executive's executive and air ambulance services.

Jet Executive has two Lear 35s and one Learjet 55 based at Frankfurt/ Main airport.

Bernd Schaufuss, md and chief pilot of Phoenix Air, said: "I am retiring after a wonderful and successful life in business aviation.