Zurich-based Premium Jet has added three aircraft to its charter fleet and entered into a joint venture to offer both Swiss and European AOC options.

With the arrival of a Phenom 100, a Citation Excel and a Citation Ultra, Premium Jet now offers a selection of aircraft from light jets up to the super midsize Challenger 300.

"The three new aircraft are an important and exciting step for us in providing our customers more flexibility and possibilities," says Marcel Wepfer, director of sales and marketing.

Peter Hartmann, ceo, adds that more aircraft additions are planned, including three heavy jets. "We are optimistic about soon being able to announce the next step in strengthening our position in the European charter market," he says.

Premium Jet has been headquartered in Zurich for more than nine years and, by entering into a partnership with an EU AOC-operator, believes it will have a lot of additional options to offer.

Hartmann says: "Irrespective of where the shoe pinches an aircraft owner – it may be certain import and/or VAT taxation practices, aviation related taxes that are imposed to fight financial difficulties (for example those in Italy) or another burden that they might encounter – we can now supply our customers with a Swiss and a European solution and help them choose the most suitable one. The extra effort required will be definitely worth it."

Whichever AOC is chosen, aircraft owners will still be looked after by Premium Jet. The company uses its knowledge across the field of business aviation to support customers throughout aircraft ownership, with core competences lying in management, charter, sales, CAMO, completion and consulting services.

Premium Jet maintains the principle not to overgrow. "Rather than sheer size, our primary focus is on safety, service and security with the goal of offering custom-tailored boutique solu-tions to selected clientele with highest possible levels of personal service."

Premium Jet believes the Excel will be the ideal aircraft for fast non-stop travel in Europe, the Middle East and North Africa, seating up to eight people in comfort with a seat-side DVD/CD entertainment system, while the Citation Ultra will allow approaches to airports such as Cannes, St Tropez or London City.