FlairJet, which claims to be the first charter company to operate the Phenom 300 in Europe, is reporting strong business potential in France, Spain and Portugal.

Two new Phenom 300s will be based at Oxford airport, joining FlairJet's existing three Phenom 100s but one will frequently operate from Cannes Mandelieu in the south of France during the summer.

"FlairJet plans to recruit additional pilots and operations staff over the coming months," ceo Capt David Fletcher says. "The aircraft have now been added to our AOC and we are especially proud to be the first in Europe to fly the Phenom 300s commercially," adds Fletcher.

"The aircraft is very impressive for both pilot and passenger and is a serious contender to the more established Learjet and Excel aircraft." Fletcher also points out "It gives us access to airports such as Moscow or Ankara with five or six passengers and perfectly complements the Phenom 100 as it opens up the Algarve, Malaga and Alicante as possible destinations."

Fletcher and Capt Gerry Rolls, flight operations director, flew FlairJet's first Phenom 300 from Embraer's Sao Jose dos Campos facility in Brazil, via the Caribbean, eastern seaboard of the US, Goose Bay and Keflavik, to Oxford.

Rolls says: "The differing weather conditions along the delivery route enabled FlairJet to test the capabilities of the Phenom 300 in the heat of Brazil and the cold weather of Goose Bay and Keflavik. Sector lengths were up to four hours with several hours of operation at the maximum ceiling of 45,000 ft."

Fletcher says the Phenom 300 establishes new standards of comfort and performance in the light jet category. "FlairJet's aircraft, featuring a new interior furnished in natural wood veneer with high gloss finishing, will accommodate six passengers in a spacious and comfortable cabin designed by BMW DesignworksUSA," he adds.

Fletcher says swept wings, with winglets, give the aircraft "terrific ramp appeal and strong aerodynamic performance." Distinctive features include a single refuelling port, an externally serviced lavatory, short runway capability and excellent cabin pressurisation.

He points out: "The Phenom 300 is one of the fastest aircraft in the light jet category, reaching 453 knots and can fly at an altitude of up to 45,000 feet. "Its range of 1,971 nm including NBAA IFR fuel reserves, means it is capable of flying non-stop from London Oxford to Moscow, Rome, Palma or Athens."