PrivatAir has ordered a Boeing 787 to meet rising demand for luxury long haul vip charter. Greg Thomas, ceo, says: "This complements our existing Boeing fleet which includes a newly-acquired 767, one 757, a BBJ2 and three BBJs."

He adds: "Our order underlines a growing demand from business travellers for long range and large cabin aircraft. The choice of the 787 was a combination of a wish to acquire an aircraft with cutting-edge technology, tremendous range capability, and cost-efficiency."

PrivatAir says it is the first business aviation specialist to operate both Boeing and Airbus airliners. "We were the very first commercial operator of the Boeing Business Jet and the first to operate a luxury-configured 767 for our vip charter business," Thomas says. "Our long-standing relationship with both airframe manufacturers enables us to objectively evaluate the best aircraft on a case-by-case basis."

PrivatAir is carrying out an extensive refit of the 767. "We will offer clients the world's first widebody airliner in vip configuration for charter starting in April," says Thomas.

Based in Geneva, the 767 will replace PrivatAir's existing 28-seat BBJ. Thomas says it will complement a choice ranging from a Global Express to Cessna Citations on both sides of the Atlantic.

He confirms there is a revived demand for luxury air tour holidays from U.S. tourists to Europe and European tourists to the U.S.

Longer haul (intercontinental) flights are becoming more important for charter operators.

Demand for the BBJs is consistently high. "There has been heightened interest from above tour operators, as well as from the broker market, and even governments," Thomas says.

PrivatAir buys new or preowned according to its evaluation of what is needed.