ExecuJet Africa is expanding its charter fleet with the addition of an Embraer Phenom 300 business jet, which it will manage for a private owner. The aircraft is one of only two Phenom 300s available on demand for charter in sub-Saharan Africa and brings the operator's total number of charter aircraft to 42.

The latest aircraft will be based at Johannesburg's Lanseria International airport. Likely sectors will include Johannesburg to Angola, Democratic Republic of Congo and Tanzania.

Mike Clark, director of flight operations, says: “We gave the customer a couple of options on the aircraft, and he elected to go for the Phenom. I think they opted for it because it's an economical aircraft, it has good range, and they don't need the eight seat capacity of a Learjet 45 or a Hawker. It is our intention to offer it for third party charter as well.”

Clark is surprised that the Phenom is an infrequent type in the region: “I just don't know why these aircraft haven't been so widely used here up to now. Traditionally people in Africa stay with things that they know, and particularly in that segment this would be the Hawkers or Learjets. The Phenom 300 has a nice cabin and feel to it. The crew like flying it – it is a single crew operation which the guys wanted.”

He says that the company will be looking to maximise its service offering in the year ahead: “We have a continual focus on customer satisfaction. That's the biggest thing, to get the service side of the business right and take it to the next level.”