Cirrus Aviation is claiming to be the first charter operator in Germany to put a Falcon 900DX into service. The fleet will be further expanded to 20 aircraft later this year with the arrival of a G200 and three Legacy 600s.

Stefan Buschle, md, says: "I expect the F900 DX to operate mainly for demanding Russian customers in Europe. It will be a good alternative aircraft for difficult airports to such widebodies as the CL604. Even approaching short runways and airports at higher altitudes, such as St. Moritz or Aspen, poses no problems for the modern trijet and this makes it very attractive for our demanding clients."

The 900DX, which came into service in February, is a managed aircraft. Buschle says: "We are the first company in Germany to operate this model." Pluses include a cruising range of 4,100 nm.

"The successor model to the Falcon 900C can carry up to 12 passengers at an average cruising speed of 920 km/hr from Paris to Chicago or from New York to Athens nonstop."

Buschle says he likes the EASy flight deck in terms of flight safety and the spacious and comfortable cabin. "It has a 1.90 m standing height and a width of 2.40 m, with conference seating and the cabin divided into three separate areas, which are inviting for work, relaxation or three-star dining," he says.

Clients can make phone calls, fax documents, make copies, listen to music, watch videos or surf the internet. "Its exclusive furnishings are appreciated by the vip passengers on long haul flights especially," Buschle says.

Cirrus already has a big fleet which includes three Learjet 40s and two Learjet 60s, a CJ1, two Citation II/Ultras and a Citation XLS. It also has a Challenger 300, two Challenger 604s, a Legacy 600, a Global 5000 and a Global Express XRS.

Cirrus is adding further aircraft to the fleet based in Saarbruecken to meet demand and provide greater choice. "The G200 starts operation in May and the Legacies are expected to be delivered in April, September and November," Buschle says. "The G200 is a good replacement for the CL300 we just recently sold. The Legacy has been very successful for us, due to its good reliability, and good acceptance by the market, both for customers who demand a big cabin and for larger groups."

He says reasons for the growing demand for charter include the strong economy, congested airports and a "huge number" of ordered aircraft that choose aircraft management.