Spanish operator Gestair’s extensive fleet continues to grow; the latest addition is a Falcon 20, which the company is operating under a management contract for a private owner.

The aircraft’s engines have been retrofitted, as it was manufactured in 1969. “It is as good as new,” said president Isabel Macarrón, “and had a great price, quality and status ratio.”

The aircraft is based in Madrid (Torrejon) and will perform charter flights throughout Spain and Europe. Gestair anticipates that the Falcon 20 will log up to 390 charter flight hours per year.

According to Macarrón, several factors encouraged the company to manage and operate the aircraft. “The height of the cabin and average capacity make it one of the most versatile aeroplanes in our fleet.” The only disadvantage Gestair cites is the requirement for long runways.

The company reports that the charter market in Spain is increasing, noting a five per cent increase in business last year.

“The market is consolidating,” she said. “We now have 114 aircraft in Spain (as of 2004), and Madrid

and Barcelona are the main areas of activity. The aircraft most in demand currently are mid- to

large-size.”

Gestair is currently working on new facilities and investment projects at Torrejon Airport, which was appointed the general aviation base in Madrid earlier this year (see EBAN’s July issue).

A further development for the Gestair Group is the foundation of a new company, Jetplan, which will provide aircraft sales, acquisitions and consultancy services. Macarrón, who has been appointed general manager of the division, said: “Our group is growing and we realised people know us because of Gestair and our charter services more than for our maintenance business or our broker services.

“We have decided it is time to give it a more professional twist,” she added. “I still will be involved in a lot of strategic decisions, as this is a family business, however I hope to be more involved in the development of my company.”