JetCom Aviation and Icejet are working on expanding operations in Italy and the UK after signing a partnership agreement.

The partnership will see Icejet managing the operations of JetCom Aviation's 31-seat Dornier 328 Jet through providing maintenance and crew support.

"Currently, this aircraft flies regular corporate shuttles between Exeter, Farnborough and Malpensa airports for a large Italian corporation," explains Marco Ostini, ceo of the Lugano, Switzerland-based JetCom Aviation.

The aircraft transferred to the Icelandic AOC in mid-March and joins the existing Icejet fleet which already includes two vip 328 Jets - one 14-seat and one business class 19-seat. "The intention is to add a second JetCom 328 to the Icelandic fleet in the near future," says Icejet md Jon Ingi Jonsson. "Together we plan to capitalise on the fleet synergy and move into new markets and territories."

Ostini, previously gm southern Europe for regional airline Crossair, has started dialogue with several Italian airports regarding possible scheduled services.

Icejet, now in its fifth year of oper-ations, has four 328 Jets positioned in France, Italy and the UK. "Popular new destinations for leisure charter include Morocco, Cyprus and Madeira," Ingi Jonsson says.

He adds: "Of late, the company has been active flying several music tours, but it is keen to do more business shuttle work with the 19- and 31-seaters. The 328's generous cabin and large cargo hold, plus its ability to serve shorter runway airports, gives us the edge with many charter brokers."

JetCom will also be the European launch customer for the Sukhoi Regional Jet.