Oslo-based Sundt Air is celebrating its 10th anniversary by expanding its owned and managed fleets to meet big increases in charter demand.

It is acquiring a Sovereign for executive charter with a Challenger 604 and two Falcon 900EXs set to join the managed fleet.

Tor Bratli, president, says: "From 2005 to 2006 we enjoyed a 50 per cent increase in turnover. We will beat that easily this year. The huge growth in demand is due to a combination of factors. The security lines for scheduled flights are very long. More corporations are deciding that operating their own aircraft is time and cost efficient. This is increasing demand for fleet management. Additionally, it is generally more acceptable, as well as convenient, to use private aircraft. And all this comes against a background of a good economy and the need to do increasing business in Europe more efficiently."

The growing charter demand led to Sundt Air putting a Cessna 560XL into operation last December. This is scheduled to be joined by a Sovereign at the end of next year. Sundt Air already owns two Super King Air B200s. The managed fleet includes a Hawker 1000, a Citation Bravo, three King Air 200s, an Excel, two XLSs and a Challenger 604 which will be joined by the three further aircraft.

Bratli says: "The medium range aircraft, such as the XLS and Bravo, run well for Europe while the 604 goes to the U.S. and the Far East from different cities in Europe according to client demand. The Excel and XLS are very good for charter demand in Europe but the Sovereign will give a little more range and add to what is already a very good fleet mix."

He says: "We are servicing mainly business clients. On the managed side corporate owners want jets to get them to places on time and they want their aircraft to earn money while not in use. A lot of companies are taking this route. We expect big business growth in the next three to four years."

Sundt Air operates the FBO/GA terminal at Oslo International airport. CFO Christian Sundt says: "Our new facility at Oslo Airport, Gardermoen, is the largest and most modern in Northern Europe and gives us the opportunity for new and interesting tasks like maintenance and aircraft handling."

Petter C.G. Sundt, the owner of Sundt Air, is one of Norway's leading businessmen although his name has been associated, traditionally, with shipping. For many years he was a top executive and major shareholder in the shipping company Bergesen.

But Sundt also owns the investment company Sundt Ltd. which in 1998 acquired Nor Aviation, formerly the fixed wing division of Norwegian Air Ambulance. The company was restructured and the name has been changed to Sundt Air.

He enjoys his involvement in aviation, particularly ambulance and executive charter. "I find private aviation very exciting, and our business is growing fast both in the domestic and international markets."