Solid Air is reporting strong demand for its latest aircraft - the Falcon 2000 EX EASy and the Challenger 850. Sales and marketing manager Jerome van der Schaar says the Challenger 850 is particularly in demand for flights to Middle East destinations including Cairo and Beirut while the EX EASy is popular on Europe-North America routes. "Solid Air is member of the visa waiver program so flights to the United States can be organised really efficiently," he adds.

The Challenger 850 is home based at Eindhoven Airport and is suitable for 15 passengers. "It is a marketing plus that smoking and pets are allowed," says "but so are the facilities, which are very attractive."

The cabin is equipped with six beds, two lavatories, high-end stereo equipment with iPod connection, wireless internet, fax, Xbox, two satcoms, oven-grill microwave and eight television screens. Van der Schaar says: "The Challenger 850 is the best value for money in charter market. It is a larger aircraft with lower costs than many of the alternatives and many we have contacted see this is an excellent opportunity to switch from their current choice to better value for money."

He says all pets are allowed on board but, for the UK market, Solid Air has a special licence for larger aerodromes available.

"The business charter market is picking up rapidly, especially in the heavy jet sector, where clients are continuing to fly. We have noticed an increase in the last couple of months. Muenster-Osnabrueck has been added to our home bases and we find this international dimension is helping promote our business."

The EX EASy and the Challenger 850 take the Solid Air fleet to 14 aircraft which includes four CE650s, two Dornier 328s and two Citation Bravos. Solid Air reports that most of its clients book direct. But van der Schaar says: "We would love to work with brokers more often, however 90% of our customers are flight hour contractors."