London-based BlueStream Aviation has acquired three Challenger 604s and is upgrading its entire Citation fleet to the Citation Excel which will eventually lead to having just two aircraft types on the AOC. "This will enhance synergies within the organisation, and allow BlueStream to move away from the light jet sector which is over-saturated within Europe at present," says md John Matthews.

The Challenger 604s augment the current Citation II, Citation Bravo, Citation Ultra and a Citation Excel and XLS. Matthews says: "The Challenger 604 was chosen because of its unrivaled reputation, reliability and maintenance support. It was selected after much due diligence and over a year of looking at market intelligence, and also listening to our long-term clients who have been instrumental in our decision process. Initial demand indicates that we have made the correct decision, the market for this class of aircraft is booming an extent that we are looking at a fourth aircraft which will go into service early 2009 with further acquisitions to be announced soon."

Project manager Paul Munro says there has been a massive recruitment programme which has seen the company more than double in staff numbers so the company has only limited vacancies at present. Chairman Michael Platt says: "BlueStream Aviation now stands on the threshold of a new and exciting future. It has prospects of being able to boast the largest Challenger 604 fleet in Europe."

BlueStream also provides a range of aircraft management services and is expanding into new markets including aircraft sales and maintenance. "With the completion of our purpose built HQ at Biggin Hill in July 2008, we will also be able to boast an FBO terminal that will be able to handle third party work, and provide meeting facilities," Matthews says.