Norway's expanding Bergen Air Transport expects to attract another jet under management to join a Cessna 525A that is proving popular with business and leisure charter clients.

"The Cessna 525A became operational in June," says Geir Hellsten, owner and manager, flight operations. "The main reasons for its popularity include the range and speed. It is very cost-effective for four or six people who desire business efficiency or cost-effective leisure flights and it provides a welcome level of comfort."

He adds: "We expect to take another jet under management in the coming months. The make of jet has still to be decided but it could be another Cessna."

The charter operator, based in Bergen, has a worldwide AOC but its core business region is Europe, with destinations in the Mediterranean popular. "I would estimate that the demand is 75:25 business to leisure," says Hellsten.

Bergen Air Transport says its mix of tuboprops and jets is ideal for its client base. "Our two B200 King Airs are useful because they can land and take off at airports which are not suitable for jets. They suit clients that need to use out-of-the-way airfields with shorter runways. The jets provide speed and range for clients who need to travel further afield or to established airports," explains Hellsten.

Bergen Air Transport launched in 1999 with a Cessna 421 and acquired a Golden Eagle but later took on the Conquest II. "The 421 helped build

our client base," says Hellsten. The Conquest II was replaced by a B200 Super King Air in the summer of 2006.

"We will continue to modernise and upgrade out fleet," says Hellsten.