PlaneChartering plans to build a fleet of four longer range aircraft after axing from service the Dornier 328 and two Beechcraft Premier Is that came with its purchase of Club 328.

Paul Crowther, PlaneChartering group ceo, says: "There has been no change to the original business plan. The client feedback is that the range of these aircraft is not sufficient so we are moving to other aircraft such as the Falcon 50EX and we are investing in a Hawker 800B as we build a new fleet of four aircraft."

PlaneChartering, which operates from London Biggin Hill, has laid off 14 of its pilots and Crowther is taking over from Club328's ceo Elaine Young who is leaving. It acquired Club328, then based in Southampton, from Corporate Jet Services last October. The fleet included one 328Jet, two Premier Is and a Hawker 800B.

Crowther says a main benefit from the acquisition was not PlaneChartering's aircraft but its AOC. "We always intended to operate our own chosen type of aircraft and remove the others," Crowther says. "However, the Dornier 328 was signed on a six-month lease last December and we tested it in the marketplace."

That arrangement, he adds, has enabled PlaneChartering to discontinue the 328 in favour of what the company feels are more commercially viable alternatives. Crowther adds: "Our business plan is based on selected core types and our priority now is to dispel any negative fears or concerns."

PlaneChartering, the trading name of Mitre Aviation, initially 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 taxi service.