Aero-Dienst is recruiting additional staff and has doubled the number of apprentices at its Nuremberg home base as it plans expansion of both its fleet and maintenance operations in 2009.

"Replacements within the Learjet and Falcon fleets are planned as well as an expansion of the ambulance fleet," says ceo Martin Bauer. "Next year aircraft man-agement will be offered for different aircraft types and more bases outside of Nuremberg and Munich are planned."

Aero-Dienst, celebrating its 50th anniversary, has brought its new hangar 3a into operation. "Its 1,500 square metres provides a wealth of space that will primarily be used for Challenger and Falcon maintenance," says Bauer.

"It gives us a number of options and extends the total operations area of Aero-Dienst at Nuremberg airport to more than 5,500 square metres." Additionally Bauer says the hangar gives sufficient room for client aircraft around the world as well as the Aero-Dienst's fleet.

Aero-Dienst is an authorised service centre for aircraft including the 900EX and the 900EX EASy. Aero-Dienst's expansion plans for 2009 will enable maintenance of the Falcon 7X during the first quarter. Bauer says: "The station at Vienna is now capable of line maintenance for the Learjet, Challenger and Falcon aircraft."

The company's incorporation of a CJ3 into its commercial flight operations expands its portfolio to five different aircraft types including the Falcon 900EX: CJ3, two Learjet 31A, 45XR and 60; and for ambulance flights Dornier 328 jets, Learjet 35 and Super King Airs.

Bauer says: "Our fleet currently consists of 11 aircraft covering all the needs of our business aviation clients and with the CJ3, Learjet 45 and Falcon 900EX we are also able to operate into London City Airport as we can meet its steep approach requirements."

Since mid-May, the Learjet 35 has been providing ambulance flights for the German automobile club ADAC. "For the first time, sick or injured non-members of the ADAC are also being transported home in this jet.

"Its medical equipment is state-of-the-art and is in every way comparable with that of the two Dornier 328 jets already in use," Bauer adds.