PrivatAir SA plans to offer charter services from Bahrain by mid-summer. The Swiss operator, the launch company for BBJs, is equipped to compete for business at the top end of the market.

President and ceo Greg Thomas points out: "PrivatAir operates a fleet of five BBJs on behalf of its airline partners, as well as a vip-configured Boeing 757 that is available for private charter. Through its network of specialist partners, PrivatAir also provides private charter of almost any type of aircraft."

He adds: "We are extremely excited about our commitment to set up operations in Bahrain, which is a highly attractive and welcoming regulatory and business-oriented environment from which to operate in the Gulf region. PrivatAir will finally establish a physical presence in the region in response to demand from clients and potential clients."

PrivatAir, which is in its 33rd year of operations, furthered its launch plans at this year's inaugural Bahrain Airshow. "PrivatAir is spending significant time and effort in planning and organising for this launch," Thomas adds.

The company, headquartered in Geneva, already has operating bases in Zurich, Duesseldorf, Frankfurt, Munich and Amsterdam. Its services include aircraft sales and management, ground services and training.