Athens-based Gainjet, which is rapidly expanding its medium range fleet, plans to base a G200 in the U.K. while increasing its coverage of the Middle East and central and eastern Europe.

The vip charter, management and sales company is bringing two newly-acquired G200s into service. Ramsey Shaban, ceo, says: "A G450 is scheduled for delivery in 2008 and a G550 is expected to join the fleet by April 2008."

He adds: "With the introduction of two new G200s, Gainjet is set on its expansion course for medium range customers, adding more flexibility to our current long range service covered by our MD-83 executive jet."

Gainjet has built a customer base spanning government, corporate and individual charter but wants to expand use of its worldwide JAR-OPS-1 (AOC).

Shaban says Gainjet is in negotiations to base a G200 at London Stansted. "We will be expanding our vip business and leisure charter services in Europe but we are also looking at providing tour services around the Greek islands. There is a growing demand for vip charter that can provide services in the Balkans, Greece and Russia. The Middle East, particularly the Arabian Gulf region, is also a high priority."

Gainjet is looking at acquiring further aircraft. "Gainjet's shareholders are keen to grow the business. We are willing to look at leasing aircraft as well as buying them. In addition we are in negotiations with Gulfstream to add a quality medevac capacity."

He says: "The initial fleet expansion involved G200s because they provide very good value for money. They are spacious, the range is excellent, and the operational costs are competitive. The G200 is one of the most advanced medium range, high-performing business jets. Ours are certified for all-weather operation and capable of flight altitude up to 45,000 feet. The cabin design has been perfected to minimise the strain of long range travel and to provide an abundance of personal comforts."

The present configuration allows for at least 10 passengers. "The forward four-club chair grouping offers comfortable space for meetings and dining, while the three-place divan and single four-club chair grouping in the aft offer additional seating in a more casual arrangement, an ideal arrangement for support staff," says Shaban.

But business development was spearheaded by the 4,000 n.m. range MD-83. Shaban says: "Simplicity of design permits very efficient operation with a crew of six: a captain, first officer and four CCM. An APU and an integral passenger forward stairway and aft stairway facilitates passenger loading, unloading and engine starting at airports equipped with minimal ground support equipment.

"External service points may be reached without use of ladders or stands and cargo may be manually loaded from the ground without special equipment, resulting in an approximate turnaround time of 45 minutes."

There is a vip forward lounge with 20 seats, a mid lounge of eight seats and an aft lounge of 12 seats in addition to rest seating for four cabin crew.