Cities in southern Europe will be brought within regular private charter reach by a Citation 525 CJ1 that Germany's Regional Air Express (RAE) adds to its fleet this month (November). RAE also plans to acquire larger business jets in 2008 to broaden its catchment area.

"Currently Russia is not a high demand market for us, but probably this might be changing when we receive the larger business jets," ceo Thorsten Richter predicts. "The most popular current destinations are Paris and the U.K. but we are planning to expand to Italy and Spain with the CJ1."

Richter adds: "The CJ1 is capable of carrying five passengers at a speed of 700 km/h over a distance of more than 2,000 kilometres. Speed, range and comfort are the most important reasons for the CJ1 choice and 'up to five' is a brilliant size for our customers."

RAE, which currently operates four 19-seat Metroliners, is expanding its business charter side to service rising demand from groups and corporations. Richter says: "With the introduction of the CJ1, RAE will also be able to cover the premium segment of the executive charter business. Many charter requests are based on smaller groups with a demand to travel faster on inter-European routes with a mid-size range. It is a logical evolution of our current fleet."