The Executive Airlines commercial team reports good progress in its drive to set up new bases in Europe as the company continues to expand its fleet. "We have established an operational base in Malaga airport to respond to and service the high activity and demand in spring and summer," says commercial and FBO director Patricio Zunino.

Executive Airlines offers a vip lounge and platform services at Malaga and will now base a G-200 in a 20 seat configuration at the airport. "In addition we have reached a mutual collaboration agreement with Malaga airport FBO," says Zunino.

The company has also opened commercial department facilities in Torrejon de Ardoz. "The new offices will allow members of the commercial team to better give a telephone service to customers, and ensure an even quicker response. It is part of our plan to provide more staff to service the increased commercial needs that have arisen because of fleet growth," says Zunino.

In Barcelona, the new business terminal is presently undergoing its last phase of refurbishment. "Around mid-September, the full commercial team will move into new facilities," says Zunino.

He says the high-profile presence of the commercial team, which includes charter managers Claudio Glaesmer, Alfred Bijl and Giovanni Castiglione, will benefit the company's 24-7-365 service to clients.

The commercial department will ensure it knows in detail client preferences regarding catering, flight planning and special requests. "The company is focusing on increasing client satisfaction and continuing to improve its management of flight-related matters."

The overall commercial plan is to develop business in the centre of Europe based on Geneva; eastern Europe based on Moscow and Riga; and the Middle East, based on Abu Dhabi and Dubai.

Executive Airlines, Zunino adds, has consolidated its position as a market leading handling agent at El Prat Airport in Barcelona through its partner Euraservices and in Manises at Valencia airport. "The Executive Airlines market share for handling services is 70 per cent in Barcelona and 65 per cent in Valencia."

Executive Airlines operated 21 jets as of July 2008 including three G-550s based at Madrid, Barcelona and Valencia; a GIV-SP at Madrid; seven G-200s servicing Madrid, Barcelona and Valencia; three G-150s operating from Barcelona and Madrid; a Falcon 900EX (Barcelona); a Citation XLS (Gerona); a Learjet 45 (Barcelona); a Hawker 400XP (Madrid); a Citation Bravo (Madrid) and two CJ1s serving Madrid and Barcelona.

The Hawker 400XP and a G-200 came into operation in June but the latest deliveries are two G-150s which have consecutive serial numbers and will be configured for seven and nine seats and based in Madrid. Zunino says: "The G-150 is a very good and fast medium cabin size aircraft that offers modern and innovative avionics."

Executive Airlines is also building a fleet of eight G-200s. Zunino says: "It will further position the company as a premier European operator with the greatest number of aircraft of this type."