Bahrain-based Rizon plans to bring five converted CRJ200 airliners into service to compete cost-effectively in the midsize and super midsize sectors. "These versatile and spacious aircraft, which are less than 10 years old, will cost us well under $14 million and be ready to enter service by September 2010," says Rizon Group Holdings ceo Will Curtis. "We see a high demand for cost efficient group travel solutions and these aircraft will be ideal, both in the Gulf Cooperation Council region and Europe."

Rizon has entered into a co-operative deal with undisclosed partners to re-engineer the CRJ200s to a specification similar to the Challenger 850. At least two of the aircraft will be based at Rizon's planned new London Biggin Hill Airport, UK, facility (EBAN September).

Curtis says the converted CRJs will be configured with 16 seats in a traditional mix of armchair, conference grouping and divan with "exceptional" baggage capacity. Curtis adds: "With full seats and baggage the range is expected to be well over 2,200 nm." Engines will be overhauled and paint and interior will be identical on all five aircraft. A full modern IFE system is to be included in the specification, along with an Airshow 4000 system.

"Depreciation is likely to be minimal during our tenure and we should be able to put these aircraft, which will be more or less identical to the Challenger 850, into service at a very appealing price point," says Curtis.

Rizon has ordered a second Hawker 900XP for delivery in mid-2009 and three Challenger 605s are due to enter service, one this year and two more in 2009, in March and in November. The company runs charter services to Asia, China, India, Russia, Africa and Europe as well as in the Middle East.