Germany's DC Aviation, formed after the merger of Cirrus Aviation and DaimlerChrysler Aviation, is planning to expand into the fast emerging markets of the Middle East and India. Dieter Heinen, ceo, says: "We are in a position to more than satisfy the demands of our German and European business customers as well as those of charter clients and the high-level expectations of international aircraft owners."

Prior to the merger Cirrus Aviation was predominantly focused on charter business in Russia while DCA's key business, apart from the transatlantic shuttle for DaimlerChrysler, was German and European corporate business. Heinen says: "Of course we will continue to strengthen our position in these markets, but we also intend to focus increasingly on new markets like India and the UAE." But he adds: "The top priority for DC Aviation, however, will first be to consolidate existing business.

The private charter business has developed massively since millionaire Dr. Lutz Helmig joined the Cirrus Group in 2007 and DaimlerChrysler Aviation was acquired. DC Aviation is already operating aircraft including an Airbus 319, Gulfstream 550, Global Express, Global 5000, Falcon 900 DX, Challenger 604, Legacy 600, Challenger 300, Citation X, Citation XLS, Learjet 60 and a Learjet 40. "The first Gulfstream 150 in Germany is a recent addition to the fleet. Further additions to the fleet are expected for 2008," Heinen says.