Joerg Socko, ceo of Germany's Saarbruecken-based Silver Bird, says clients are responding favourably to the longer cruising range and heightened comfort offered by the company's first Legacy 600.

"With a cruising range of 3,250nm the midsize jet flies non-stop from Frankfurt to Dubai, for instance, or from Munich to New York with only one stopover. Up to 13 passengers can be carried in the comfort of a 1.75m high cabin," he adds.

Socko says: "The passengers can enjoy having a conference and a sleeping area at their disposal and are served from the excellent galley kitchen. There are telephones, airshow, DVD and CD players that will make the journey as pleasant as possible."

The Legacy 600 expands Silver Bird's aircraft management division. The company currently operates four Learjets for ad-hoc charter and ambulance flights. A G450 and a G550 will be joining the fleet over the next few months.