NetJets Europe has announced the signing of its 1,000th customer.

In 2005, NetJets Europe attracted nearly 400 new clients to its fractional ownership and block charter

card programmes.

The firm took delivery of 31 new aircraft in 2005, raising the overall fleet size to 87 aeroplanes, making it the ninth largest aircraft fleet in Europe, ahead of airlines such as BMI, Virgin Atlantic and Swiss.

Total flights over the course of 2005 increased by 36 per cent on the previous year, with flights to and from the UK accounting for 25 per cent of all NetJets Europe traffic over the past 12 months.

According to the company, the surge in demand has come from both corporations and high net worth individuals looking to fly without the 'inefficiencies and hassles of commercial air travel.'

Under the fractional ownership scheme, customers purchase a share of an aeroplane, which entitles them to 50 hours flying time for each 1/16th interest. The card scheme provides them with 25 hours flying time for a one-off payment.

In 2005, NetJets Europe's fleet flew over 40,000 flights to more than 100 countries worldwide.