Markoss Aviation UK is negotiating to expand its managed fleet and marketing the added charter incentive that its Hawker 800XP is now approved to operate through London City Airport.

Rob Spence, md, says: "This privately owned aircraft, managed by Markoss, is currently the only London City approved UK-based XP which is fully available for charter. We completed our first charter through London City within three days of obtaining the approval."

He says Markoss recognised the demand in the autumn of 2006 and moved quickly to complete the necessary modifications and crew training requirements.

Spence says initial bookings for charter services out of London City have been spearheaded by demand from London's financial district for both leisure and business flights with Europe's "southern sun belt" providing popular destinations.

Markoss, based at Biggin Hill, is 15 minutes away from picking up clients from City, says Spence.

"Many clients like the idea of avoiding the hassle of commuting to airports further away from their city work or home bases.

"We intend to rapidly expand our management fleet in 2007. We are looking to add similar aircraft such as the Hawker 800XP or 800B that would fit comfortably with our fleet."

Markoss Aviation UK's expansion follows a change of ownership and management restructure. Spence says: "There is a gap in the market and we have received a number of approaches from owners looking to benefit from the more focused management services of a smaller fleet operator.

"The U.K. is seeing a rising demand for private charter services. We have received increasing enquiries from those suffering from the growing restrictions of commercial aircraft travel. It is also a fact that more people can afford to enjoy the benefits of private charter travel."

London City Airport is looking to boost its business aviation services, with proposals to expand its FBO operations by 50 per cent and attract business from large charter aircraft.

In April it launched PrivateJet to provide global executive jet charter brokering services.