Bengt Graffstrom, Grafair owner and ceo, says that a milestone non-stop flight of a Grafair Citation II from Michigan in the US to Stockholm in Sweden heralds the addition of a new dimension to the company's private charter service.

Grafair invested US$2.4 million in new Williams FJ44 engines as opposed to US$900,000 in over-hauling JT15s and Graffstrom says there are benefits in fuel economy, range and reduced cabin noise for clients travelling around Europe.

Graffstrom, speaking after piloting the inaugural flight of the Citation II with the Williams engine, said: "There is a reduction of 35 per cent in the fuel burn which in itself makes the investment worthwhile. However there are added benefits in that the Citation II can reach any destination non-stop in and around Europe and can even fly intercontinental if that is what our clients wish. It gives us a range of 2,500 nm and enables us to fly at a higher cruising altitude. The speed capability has been increased from 390 knots to 410 knots and we can climb to a maximum of 43,000 ft in 25 minutes."

The Citation II, which has a passenger capability of eight, is one of five operated by Grafair. The company owns two Citation IIs with the others in fractional ownership. One, which boasts a large cargo door, is configured for air ambulance work.

Grafair's seaplane operation, which has been in business since 1999, has acquired a Cessna 208 Caravan to augment its two Cessna 206s. "We have a catchment area of some 25,000 islands," Graffstrom explains. "The 208 can collect our clients and take them direct to a European destination with cost advantages where this involves waterfront to waterfront travel. The speed is 155 knots with floats. Helsinki is one hour from Stockholm and also one hour from Oslo.

"However, clients also have the alternative of linking the 208 flight to our CJ2 capability. Sweden has 200,000 lakes and Caravans can take nine passengers."

He adds: "There is year-round demand with, perhaps typically, in the region of 300 to 400 people living on many of the islands."