One Charter, whose longer term development plan calls for it to become a major U.K. air taxi provider, is claiming a double first after ordering a Cirrus SR22 GTS.

Mike Ryan, ceo, confirms: "The company has secured a delivery slot for the U.K.'s first silver model, with a black leather interior, for summer 2007. One Charter will be the first to offer this aircraft for 'one off' charters on an AOC."

The CAA restricts single engine AOC operations to daytime, VFR flying.

The Cirrus will be based at Farnborough Airport and the intention is to attract other similar aircraft for management and third party charter when not being used by the owners.

Ryan adds: "We will use the aircraft to invite regular business, leisure or sports users to take part in fractional ownership of the aircraft or 'one off' charters. We have taken a position on an Eclipse for delivery in 2008 and we are talking to other owners about managing their aircraft."

For a deposit of #5,000 and a total investment of #32,500, Ryan says, users will be entitled to at least 40 hours per year of Cirrus usage, equivalent to #460 per hour flying. "The aircraft flies at over 200 mph, seats three passengers and pilot comfortably together with taking up to 130 kg of luggage. It is the closest thing one can get to a flying car."

He says it is ideal for short hop flights to the Channel Islands, Scotland and Ireland. Typical charter destinations will include Guernsey (one hour), Prestwick for golf

(just over two hours), Paris for the rugby World Cup (one hour 20 minutes), and Deauville for horse racing (under one hour). "These are all easily and quickly accessible," says Ryan. "The Cirrus is also environmentally friendly having a noise footprint well below the U.K. requirements and a unique fuel metering system requiring less fuel usage with lower CO2 emissions than comparable aircraft."

He says the Cirrus, for extra safety, has innovative advanced technologies incorporated into its design, including other aircraft and terrain positional warning systems and a unique Cirrus airframe parachute system.

"The Cirrus is a perfect mode of corporate travel and we intend to target those who travel first class train on day-return trips in and near the U.K., particularly corporate and city workers. It is a step towards our goal of being a major player in the dawning age of the air taxi."

One Charter's principal activities include aircraft brokerage and aircraft management services. Cirrus reports that it delivered 721 aircraft in 2006.