Beirut-based Executive Aircraft Services is searching for a Hawker 800XP to meet unfulfilled charter demand. "Charter availability is overbooked and it is difficult to find even one extra spare hour for our clients," says gm Nicolas Meszaros.

EAS operates a 125 for charter and manages aircraft on behalf of the clients of Echo Aircraft Company which has ordered a Global Express XRS to replace a Global 5000. Meszaros says: "This is the fifth new Bombardier business jet purchase by Echo and its associated companies over the last 10 years. All these aircraft have been based and operated in the Middle East."

The XRS is due to come into service within 16 months. Meszaros says attractions include the large cabin, high speed and good range. "It can link Beirut and Vancouver or Beirut and Jakarta non-stop with eight passengers and three-to-four crew."

EAS also has a Falcon 2000EX scheduled for delivery in 2009 which will be added to its managed fleet. And there is a major focus on further developing handling facilities.