Marshall Executive Aviation (MEA) will build Europe-wide air charter business from Europe's biggest private airfield at Cambridge with the phased introduction of three Citation XLSs.

Iain Young, MEA director of flight operations, says there is growing recognition that Cambridge is a good alternative to airports such as London City and Biggin Hill. "It is only 45 minutes from north and east London, including the main financial district, and is, for the time being anyway, far less busy than some other alternatives. There are no restrictions on slots at Cambridge and we work exceptionally hard for our clients."

MEA plans to offer a Europe-wide service with particular focus on the east and there is a longer term aim to acquire aircraft with the range and cabin size to service Russia.

"We will introduce the first Citation XLS this December with the second being added in 2008 and the third in 2009," says Young. MEA, he adds, has built a reputation for service which initially had its roots in a Citation Bravo and then a CJ2. "We were not able to get anywhere near to meeting demand with one aircraft and we know the XLS fleet will be kept busy."

Chief pilot Peter Stroud says: "I am looking forward to providing a high level of service and comfort with the new aircraft. At maximum takeoff weight from a sea level airport, the XLS climbs directly to 43,000 feet in just 20 minutes, and I believe that's quicker than any other jet in its class. Not only can you travel in the comfort of a midsize and at speeds of nearly 500 mph, but you can also get out of airfields as short as 3,590 feet at maximum takeoff weight."

Young, who has an airforce and electronics engineering background, says: "We looked at a number of aircraft before deciding that the XLS was best suited to meet our customer demand for spacious and comfortable aircraft suited to the widest range of business and private travel requirements."

Young declined to comment on reports that Cambridge City Council was interested in acquiring the Cambridge airport site for the development of housing and amenities. However, it is under-stood that Marshall Aerospace will listen to proposals. The council says that the company has indicated it would need a similarly well placed and extensive site as part of any agreement.