JetAlliance is solving the short haul problems of its European customers to gain their business for the long haul. The Vienna, Austria-based operator will provide a private jet connection from their clients' chosen starting point and ferry them to their intercontinental flight.

Lukas Lichtner-Hoyer, ceo, says: "We are offering a comfortable business jet with a top class service that picks the clients up whenever they desire and transfers them quickly and directly to their business class flight with Austrian Airlines. This way, they avoid any tiresome waiting, lengthy transits or repeated check-ins." He adds: "The service, called Austrian Business Jet, starts right at the client's nearest airfield - no matter whether it's a far-flung airport in Russia or a regional airport in Austria."

JetAlliance unveiled its plans after placing one order for 20 Mustangs and another for 25 larger Citations. The orders cover aircraft including a CJ1+, six CJ2+, five CJ3, three XLS+, one Sovereign and two Citation Xs. Deliveries will take place in 2009 and 2010.

"We have 22 Citations already operating and expect another 22 to come into operation by the end of 2007 followed by another 25 in 2008," says Lichtner-Hoyer. "These aircraft will be used to further extend our reach into eastern and central Europe. We should receive our first Mustang this year. We can see the Mustang market developing."

The CJ2s and the XLSs are earmarked for the Austrian Business Jet service. "We are hoping to use 30 per cent of the aircraft for this purpose. We operate 40 aircraft at the moment, some of which are long haul. Passengers are sped to the best long haul flight destination. We are sure they will be happy with the service. And, if they are happy with that service they will go up the line to the larger aircraft and the longer haul. For our part we will add to the range of aircraft as necessary to meet customer demand."

Lichtner-Hoyer says JetAlliance is focusing on providing comfor-table trips between Russia and central Europe.