Spain's Aeronova, which launched operations with a Piper Navajo in 1997, has acquired its fifth Metro III Heavy to service demand as it grows its charter operations in Europe.

"The new aircraft will help us meet existing demand and give our clients best service," says commercial director Nacho Isla. "We have a vip configuration for 12 passengers with toilet facilities and we can cover a distance of 700 n.m. However the Heavy is very flexible. We could take up to 18 passengers within a

550 n.m. range."

Aeronova, which has established home bases in Valencia and Rotterdam, may position one of its fleet in the U.K., with the East Midlands in general and Coventry in particular under serious consideration.

"Our roots are in freight but passenger charter is developing and has grown to form perhaps 20 per cent of our business," says Isla. "We will be concentrating on servicing the high existing demand before considering further expansion. We are careful to only add aircraft when we can maintain best standards."

Sports charter is a growing business in Spain with basketball demand increasing. "We would like to develop similar business in England but with other kind of sports because basketball is not as popular in England as it is in Spain," Isla adds. "At any one time we might have four aircraft positioned around Europe and the fifth in Valencia or undergoing maintenance. We cater for a mix of business and leisure and we are simply responding to the demand for more flights, flexibility and geographical coverage."

The Heavies are quick change aircraft, which Aeronova acquires green and customises. "We find more of our cargo charterers are turning to us for passenger flights and we provide what they want," says Isla.