PlaneChartering's accelerating plans to develop jet-yacht charter synergy business in the U.K. and France have moved a big step forward with the acquisition of Club328.

Paul Crowther, who disclosed his plans to EBAN in March (EBAN web site: 'King Air Commute' set to jet ahead) says: "We are exceptionally strong as a sales organisation, brokering and selling flights and luxury yacht charter all around the world, while Club328's strength is its operations."

Crowther, PlaneChartering owner and group ceo, adds: "Collectively, we have a bigger fleet and we will be building on that, and acquiring new aircraft in the future. We have another two Citations due to arrive in November and a second Dornier 328 which will join the fleet by early January 2008."

PlaneChartering, the trading name of Mitre Aviation, has built a client base that includes travellers between homes and bases in south east England and southern France. But yacht owners from the Cannes/ St Tropez/Monte Carlo and St. Jean/Cap Ferrat regions initially also turned to Mitre for a comfortable but competitively priced taxi service between their homes, yachts and local destinations.

As part of its development, PlaneChartering started selling Club328 flights in the south of France. The input doubled Club328 sales figures and the synergy led to the formal purchase. PlaneChartering operates a fleet including two CJ2s and one King Air E90. Club328's fleet of Dornier 328 jet, Beechcraft Premier Is and Hawker 800 will be marketed as a luxury brand.

"The Club328 name will become a true 'Club,' offering fractional and luxury package products," says Club328's Elaine Young, who joined the company last November and will remain as ceo and oversee day-to-day AOC operations at London Biggin Hill Airport. "PlaneChartering will become the main brand, offering competitively-priced, on-demand charter with its enlarged fleet and worldwide brokerage."