London Executive Aviation (LEA) has brought an Embraer Legacy 600 and a Citation XLS into service. George Galanopoulos, LEA's md, says: "We will manage the Legacy 600 for the owner and charter it in line with our successful 'hybrid' business model.

"The owner had not bought an aircraft before but felt the time was financially right to move into the pre-owned aircraft market. He expects to need the jet himself for around 200 hours each year. The remainder of the time will be available for charter."

Galanopoulos adds: "The Legacy 600 is a very popular aircraft in our fleet - reliable, good range, the best cabin space for the money and a huge luggage hold, far larger than any other jet in its class. We have only missed one trip in four years with our Legacy 600s, so the dispatch rate is excellent."

The expansion means LEA now operates five Legacy 600s and five midsize in a total fleet of 24 aircraft. Galanopoulos says.

"The XLS, currently being refurbished, joins four Excel aircraft already operating in LEA's midsize Citation fleet. Like the Legacy 600 we are both managing and chartering the XLS, which will be based at Luton," he adds.