Aviaxess has brought three more helicopters into service taking its Paris-based fleet to 13. The new additions are an Ecureuil AS350 BA, an AS350 B2 and a Robinson R44 Raven 2.

Barthelemy Gilles, marketing and communications director, says: "These helicopters will help Aviaxess reinforce and broaden its services, bringing more possibilities and availability for our private and corporate customers."

Frederic Aguettant, ceo, adds: "We plan to expand our fleet within the next three months with two more helicopters and then add at least two more before the middle of next year. We acquired the two AS350s for their versatility and ability to carry out our various vip transport missions and the Robinson mainly for aerial photography and training purposes."

In France, Aviaxess is based at airports adjacent to the strategic business and residential areas of its customers. These include Le Bourget next to La Defense and the Heliport of Paris. "We also are the only helicopter company allowed on the airport of Toulon-Cote d'Azur, the golden gate of the French Riviera, and convenient for the St Tropez region," says Gilles.

Aguettant says the company has developed a dynamic individual corporate style while Gilles adds: "We are not focused on reproducing the old schemes and practices of 'Dad's Aviation' but instead are inventing and defining the new business aviation platform. We all know the business aviation market is expanding incredibly fast. The communication revolution and its multifaceted impact on the global economy and international business relations has exponentially increased the need for top executives to meet physically.

"The older business generation tended to minimise travel and the personal contact but modern business thrives on it."

French businessmen are demanding flexible, cost-effective and highly responsive charter operations. "This is what we specialise in providing," says Aguettant. "Aviaxess initiated the first European helicopter operators' alliance and this can already call on 38 helicopters. We are Bombardier Skyjet's official representative in France. And we are implementing the very first frequent flyer programme on the French business aviation market. This is designed for those who cannot predict when and which aircraft they will need, with their choice depending on their mood and business opportunities at the time. Aviacard makes each minute our customers fly with us count. It records their time of flight in both jet and helicopter and enables them rapidly to reach various levels of exceptional rewards."