Germany's Aero-Dienst, which brought its two Learjet 31As into operation in 2000 and 2001, reports that most clients are senior managers fitting several appointments in different parts of Europe into one day's work itinerary.

"For their business speed is crucial, not cabin size," says Andreas Strabel, supervisor aircraft management. Clients and pilots, he says, really like the powerful and dynamic aircraft's sleek and elegant ramp presence.

Strabel adds: "Double tires on each main landing gear is a safety plus in wet runway conditions, there is a wide entrance door, flat floor throughout the cabin and a spacious separated lavatory in the aft part of the cabin providing more privacy."

Aero-Dienst charters both 31As in a six-place seating configuration with a centre club four seat arrangement. Strabel says: "Typical missions are for distances of less than 1,200 nm with two to four passengers on board. The 31A is one of very few jets in its category certified under the FAR Part 25 transport category."

Aero-Dienst, one of the largest Learjet authorised service centres in Europe, does its own line and base maintenance in-house so tight communication between the operations and maintenance department keeps dispatch reliability high and maximises the efficiency of flight operations.

Germany's ProAir is among other companies operating a Learjet 31A. It says the aircraft is perfectly suited to meet demand for short and medium distances and for combining two or three business meetings at different locations on the same day. Pluses include its baggage space, its 1,100 n.m. range and cruising speed of 475 knots.