Avio Delta, founded in 1991 as a specialist in the manufacture of ultralight aircraft, plans to launch a fleet of Citation jets in 2008. The Bulgarian operator, which gained its AOC in 2006 and currently operates a CJ1+, Beechcraft King Air C90B and Diamond DA-42, is expecting the delivery of a CJ2+ and CJ3+ during 2008.

"Citations were chosen because of their safety record, efficiency, easy operation and comfort. They will be operated in Europe, the CIS, Mediterranean and Middle East," says Avio Delta's gm Petko Petkov. Bulgaria is a new, relatively undeveloped market for private charter but Avio Delta expects business from well established corporate partners in Europe to increase rapidly.

"We expect to operate a minimum 450 flight hours per aircraft per year," Petkov says. Avio Delta tends to take on ready qualified staff but in addition operates a training program to encourage young pilots. Its charter operations cover aerial works, sightseeing and leisure as well as executive passenger charter and it reports growing demand in all sectors.