Spanish charter operator Executive Airlines is bringing a G-550 into service as it builds on fleet expansion carried out earlier this year. And it plans to further increase its fleet and range of services to meet burgeoning demand.

"The prospects of growth in the Spanish corporate aviation market up to the year 2015 will require more jets to handle the growing demand of Executive Airlines' clients," says Patricio Zunino, commercial director.

Executive Airlines in May added a Citation XLS, a G-100 and a G-200 to its fleet.

The G-550 will be based in Valencia. "It has a capacity for up to 18 passengers and an attendant, is fully equipped and able to easily fly routes like Valencia-Santiago

de Chile, Barcelona-Shanghai, Madrid-Bangkok or Barcelona-Johannesburg," says Zunino.

"We sent a note to our clients informing them about the new incorporation of the G-550. We were very pleased that it has had favourable acceptance. All our clients are very enthusiastic and are looking forward to making their first flight.

"Executive Airlines believes that, up to now, the G-550 is the best product in the market for long range." But Executive Airlines "will keep its eyes open to the new products that will come out in coming years."

Zunino adds: "We are looking forward to this new expansion phase, extending our fleet to meet the growing demand for business flights, with enthusiasm."

Favoured routes for the G-550 are expected to include New York, China, the Caribbean, South America and eastern Europe. "Clients for long range charter come from western Europe, but numbers have lately

been increasing from eastern Europe, Middle East and Russia," says Zunino.

Executive Airlines was founded in 1999 and launched into business aviation in 2000 chartering a Falcon 900EX and a Citation Bravo. It now provides charter, handling, management, flight planning and operations and consultancy in sales and acquisition.