Norwich-based SaxonAir expands its fleet with new Hawker 900XP aircraft. (UK)

Christopher Mace (left), managing director of Saxon Air with Stuart McNeilis, Customer Experience Manager at Hawker Beechcraft

Norwich-based private air charter operator SaxonAir is expanding its fleet with the order of a new Hawker 900XP.

The company said the new $13m (£8.2m) aircraft, which can travel 2,600 miles and carry up to eight passengers, will provide SaxonAir with its first mid-size jet offering a greater payload and range than the other aircraft in its fleet.

Chris Mace, managing director of SaxonAir said: “We are very excited by the new opportunities that the Hawker 900XP will offer both SaxonAir and its customers.

“This new aircraft will allow SaxonAir to expand its business by offering clients a greater choice of non-stop destinations with an enhanced in flight experience. We considered several other aircraft in its class, however the Hawker 900XP delivered a combination of range, speed, payload and comfort that we could not find in any other mid-size jet.”

Operations Manager, Lee McGahan said the company would be offering the aircraft for private charter providing many of the same on board amenities found on larger jets.

“We feel it is important to provide our clients with the same level of service and on board benefits that they might be used to on Super Midsize and Heavy Jets,” he said. “A multi lingual flight attendant, hot food, satellite telephone and wireless internet connection will all be included as part of the first class cabin service.” Despite recent economic conditions, SaxonAir has experienced a 12.5pc increase in charter flights flown and a 65pc increase in handled flights at the airport since moving into their new £7.9m facility at Norwich Airport in May 2011.

The current fleet now consists of a Hawker 400XP business jet, a King Air 350 executive propjet, two Citation Mustangs, and Eurocopter EC120 & EC135 helicopters. The fleet is operated from Norwich and other bases at Redhill (near Gatwick) and Thessaloniki, Greece.

Source:  http://www.edp24.co.uk