Ocean Sky, which expects to bring the U.K.'s first operational Global Express XRS into service early in 2008, will add a BBJ to its fleet in 2011.

The BBJ plans were unveiled at EBACE and underline Ocean Sky's determination to be a strong player in luxury long range charter.

Kurosh Tehranchian, ceo, says: "It is catering very much to the high end of the market. It is too early to detail the exact configuration but we very much expect to provide a bedroom, shower, facility and sit-around table in a very high specification 19-seater aircraft."

He says: "There is plenty of scope with an 800 sq. ft. cabin to provide luxury and, for us, it is a natural progression from the Challenger and the XRS. There will be every facility for executives to work or to relax with their family if that is what they wish to do and arrive fresh at their destination. There will be a proper dining table with seats around it which is also suitable for conferences."

Video screens, internet connection and the latest avionics will comple-ment the facilities.

It is understood that Ocean Sky, based in London, paid a premium to take over a position that enabled the XRS delivery this September. After a few months' scheduled work it will be brought into service.

Tehranchian says: "We did what was necessary to make this aircraft available to our clients as soon as possible rather than join a four-year waiting list. It is a tremendous aircraft which will offer very attractive

features including a large stateroom, two different types of satcom and onboard internet."

Configured for 14 passengers and delivered green, the XRS will join two Challenger 604s as Ocean Sky builds a charter fleet designed to meet what it perceives is growing demand for long range capacity.

Tehranchian says: "The range of the XRS is over 6,500 nm which basically means it can fly between any two points on the planet with no more than one fuel stop. It will be the only aircraft of its type in the U.K. and we'll base it at London Luton."

Existing demand is global, with the fast-growing Russian and Middle East markets prominent. Tehranchian says: "Russia is just one country where the demand for ultra long range aircraft is growing. There is obviously a big demand for flights from Moscow to the Far East and North America but these are just part of the global picture and symptomatic of a large number of routes that the XRS will be used on."

Ocean Sky is also celebrating the arrival of a Learjet 60 which marks the beginning of its managed fleet. "We have made no secret of our ambition to expand our range of services. The owner is an aviation enthusiast who intends to enjoy occasional use of the aircraft and make it very largely available for charter," says Tehranchian. "There are a number of high net worth individuals who are acquiring aircraft as an investment and interest. This is a trend that we were not seeing some years ago. The Learjet 60 effectively launches the Ocean Sky managed fleet and complements our existing aircraft. It can fly for around five and a half hours. Being a midsize jet it is ideal for the European market and routes such as Moscow-Dubai."

The XRS can be configured for between eight and 19 passengers and a crew of two but Ocean Sky, based on known client preference, decided that 14 would be the optimum maximum passenger number.

Apart from the range and comfort, Ocean Sky was attracted by features including the head-up display system and Central Aircraft Information Maintenance System (CAIMS).

Ocean Sky began life as Aircraft Zone in 2005 with a business plan to become an integrated aviation company offering management, sales and charter. "It was always the intention to provide quality charter services and this was emphasised by our rebrand as Ocean Sky at the end of 2005," says Tehranchian.

Ocean Sky is opening a new Zurich office on 1 July 2007. Ocean Sky Switzerland AG will be managed by Sandra Amsler who says: "We will provide brokers and operators the choice of calling either the London or Zurich office." Ocean Sky also has offices in London, Prestwick, East Midlands and Moscow.