ACR Aero-Charter Airlines has brought what it says is the first Ukrainian-registered Citation business jet, a CJ3, into service.

Michael Semenov, president, says: "This is the first of four Citations ordered by ACR, with a second CJ3 arriving imminently and a further CJ3 and an XLS+ scheduled for delivery in 2010."

Semenov says the company, based in Kiev and founded in 1997, will continue to build and operate a diverse fleet of business jets but it rates Citations as the ideal aircraft for its future fleet expansion plans.

Jetalliance company AC Aircraft Sales, Cessna's authorised sales representative, says it worked closely with the Ukrainian authorities to secure certification, and with Cessna Finance Corporation which provided financing for the fleet order.

Semenov says: "ACR has established a leading position in the Ukrainian market. The CJ3 and XLS+ will strengthen our light and midsize capabilities and enable us to serve a wider range of customers." The ACR fleet includes a Gulfstream 150 and Yakovlev 40s. ACR also provides aircraft management and consulting services including acquisition and crew selection and training.

Trevor Esling, Cessna vp for international sales, says ACR's order is a sign that the Ukrainian business jet market is expanding.