UK charterer Gold Air International has promised fleet expansion and further improved client service after being taken over by charter broker Air Partner.

"We see this move as a key strategic step in fast-tracking Gold Air to the premier league of European jet operators," says Gold Air md William Curtis. "The six brand new Lears and the Hawker 800 will continue to operate as before, all flight crew remain, but we expect to add new private jets to our fleet over the coming years."

He adds: "The benefits will come from Air Partner's charter team working for us. This will provide us with a smoother and less seasonal demand, which will allow us to invest in more crews to optimise our capacity."

Gold Air, based at London Biggin Hill, has two Global 5000s on order for delivery by early 2009.

"We have overnight become the wholly owned subsidiary of a transparent, longterm and consistently profitable public company, established over 45 years," says Curtis. "Indeed it is the only aviation company to have been granted a Royal Warrant as providers of private aircraft to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II."

He stresses that the Gold Air management team will remain in place and will continue to operate under its own name.

Air Partner md David Savile says the purchase of Gold Air will assure charter capacity for clients.

Air Partner, which has offices in Europe, the U.S., the Middle East and Asia, will advise charter customers who want to own aircraft and have them managed.