Executive Airlines, now operating its ninth Gulfstream, says that the long range charter sector is looking promising for at least the next 18 months, despite the global recession.

Francisco Sanz, manager private aircraft management department, received the latest Gulfstream 200 from Steve Jones, Gulfstream International's regional vp for Europe (front page photograph). "The company is now the world's leading G200 charter operator," he says.

The new G200 is configured for 10 passengers. Sanz says: "It can comfortably fly routes such as London-Jeddah or Moscow-Mumbai. Highlights of the jet include excellent comfort, with the most spacious cabin of aircraft in its segment (2.18 m wide by 1.91 m high). It offers a long range of up to 3,400 nm and a cruise speed of 850 km/h (460 knots). The G200 cabin design features a door separating the galley and the flight attendant's seat from the rest of the cabin for greater privacy when travelling.

"The company's charter business is concentrated in the long range segment and Executive Airlines has not been affected by the difficult global economic climate because long-range charter clients continue to use the service, in contrast to what is happening with light jet clients."

He adds: "The outlook for 2009 and 2010 is still promising. We are currently negotiating new additions and hope to incorporate at least three new aircraft before the end of the year. We are aiming to have 30 aircraft and consolidate our leadership in Europe at a strong, steady pace by reinforcing all management areas adequately in order to maintain the level of service that we are known for."

Executive Airlines currently operates 25 jets: 16 are Gulfstreams - four G550s, nine G200s and three G150s. Sanz says the company's good performance and growth are reflected in its business figures: 3,878 flights last year and a total of 9,047 hours' flying time, representing an increase of 43.37% on the previous year's figure. "In the first quarter of 2009 two new aircraft were incorporated under management," Sanz adds.

In addition to its charter and private aircraft management services, Executive Airlines also offers FBO services at the airports of Madrid, Barcelona and Valencia as well as business aviation flight planning and consulting.