German operator Jet Executive International Charter has acquired a Learjet 35 from Phoenix Air of Munich which is ceasing operations to coincide with owner retirement.

Guenter Krahe, Jet Executive ground operations manager, said: "This takes our fleet to four aircraft. Three years ago we had two. So our fleet has doubled in three years which is a great achievement for our size of company."

Krahe said that the Learjet 35 acquisition was part of a step-by-step expansion programme. Munich would stay the base for the purchased Lear 35. "It gives us service advantages. Munich will bring many new destinations into service range," Krahe added.

Bernd Schaufuss, md and chief pilot of Phoenix Air, said: "I am retiring after a wonderful and successful life in business aviation."