Austrian operator MJet has refitted an ACJ319, which was added to its fleet in February 2014. Ceo Vitalie Botgros believes the aircraft will be popular in eastern Europe and the Middle East. “We are a large cabin and long range operator, therefore the addition of the ACJ to our fleet was a logical step to reinforce our market position. This is a niche product which fits our company profile perfectly.”

The operator has a 'main customer' that will utilise the jet privately, however it will also be used for third party charter when available. Botgros is enthusiastic about the design work on the jet, which was conceived by Jet Aviation Design Studio and completed by Jet Aviation Basel: “Considering the complexity of the project, we believe it is a high quality product executed with unique taste and style, offering luxury accommodation for 19 passengers on charter flights and 21 occupants when flying private.”

The aircraft was recently displayed at JetExpo in Moscow to showcase the Airbus Corporate Jets division. “On several occasions it was mentioned that the interior of our ACJ is particularly nice and it would be a good idea to display it during an executive show.”

Botgros' company was established in 2007 and its core fleet comprises Gulfstream G200, G450 and G550 models, along with Global 5000 and 6000. It also manages executive airliners including the ACJ and three vvip Fokker 100s and plans to take delivery of a G650 in the near future. Despite progress, he says that the current economical and political environment in the home market is not encouraging. “On a global level there is huge pressure from competing systems which in many cases are taking competitive advantage over Europe's highly regulated and overloaded standards. In short, it is not the best time to make plans for the future, but time will tell,” he concludes.