Dubai's Majestic plans to acquire three Eclipse 500s within a year. "Our VLJ fleet will be fully available for charter and will give our clients much more flexibility as they look to save their precious time," says director of sales Michael Makarius.

He adds: "We chose the Eclipse 500 because it is a highly efficient twin engine jet with a range up to 1,300 n.m. It has the capability to utilise more airports than most aircraft and this is an advantage that could also have benefits in revitalising business potential at smaller airports."

Makarius says the standard

three passenger configuration and maximum cruise speed of 370 kts suits rising demand from small parties of businessmen looking for fast and flexible transport.

Majestic chose a Learjet 60 to spearhead the building of a fleet targeting the Arab Gulf charter sector (EBAN May). But EBAN was told Majestic was also evaluating Chall-enger 604s and may add longer range capability as business is established.