Augusta Air Luftfahrtunternehmen of Germany is expanding its 560XLS fleet to five to meet rising demand for mid-range charter in Europe.

The company launched in 1985 with King Airs but switched from turboprops to jets and has recently upgraded from XLs to XLSs.

Peter Bayer, md, says: "We have two XLSs and are expanding the fleet to five 560XLSs. The first two new acquisitions will arrive in July and August and the fifth in March 2008."

He adds: "We believe the XLS offers the best value of its type. It has a good cabin and is capable of up to four hours flight which is fine for most destinations in Europe."

The central European location of Augsburg, founded by Caesar Augustus around 2,000 years ago and famous for its association with the composer Mozart, is convenient for all major favoured destinations including London, Moscow, Rome and Madrid.

Bayer says: "Some 99 per cent of our business is referred by brokers who have clients from all over Europe, from Russia in the east to England in the west. Destinations include all the major cities. The XLS adds 200 miles more in range compared to the XL and provides the same stand-up cabin comfort."