Prestige Jet has added three new aircraft to its fast-growing fleet to beat its own expansion targets and meet a projected further surge in private charter demand. The Citation Sovereign, Challenger 604 and Legacy 600 acquisitions take the Abu Dhabi company's fleet to 11 aircraft.

"A number of other aircraft will also join the fleet late in the fourth quarter of this year," says md Faris Deeb, "while further discussions with manufacturers and other aircraft and charter service providers are also at an advanced stage, reflecting the company's plans to more than double its fleet by the beginning of 2009."

Prestige Jet, launched only in May last year, says it is exceeding business targets. "This summer period has witnessed an increase in demand for our aircraft, with fleet utilisation running on average at 40 per cent above target," Deeb says. The three new aircraft means Prestige Jet has created a balanced fleet of small, mid and large-size aircraft to ensure that the company is well placed to meet demand from various customer segments.

The Citation Sovereign, he points out, has a range of 2,850 nm and can cruise at a maximum speed of 450 kts, allowing it to fly as far as Europe or the Far East. "It can carry nine passengers and its ability to land and take off from short runways gives passengers the greater freedom and flexibility of using smaller, less crowded airports, closer to their final destination."

"The Challenger 604 is ideal for regional trips or long-haul. It accommodates 10 passengers and flies well over seven hours non-stop, as well as offering large cabin charter capabilities for corporate and private customers."

The Legacy 600, Deeb adds, serves passengers flying to Europe or the Far East and cruises at a speed of up to Mach 0.80. It offers a range of 3,250 nm and accommodates eight to 13 passengers. "It has a superior luggage capacity. When travelling with 12 or more passengers, the Legacy 600 offers distinct cost advantages." The three new aircraft are based at Al Bateen city airport on the outskirts of the UAE capital.