Gainjet, which believes the outlook for private aviation is strong despite the global economic downturn, has opened a UK sales office and is currently working on establishing a similar permanent office in St Petersburg. Gainjet is also planning further expansion of its fleet in 2009.

The company's operations and maintenance are based at the Athens headquarters, but ceo Ramsey Shaban says: "I decided to have a dedicated UK sales team for client ease of contact and quick response times."

The UK office, staffed by gm Kais Kassim, Natalie Aylett and Debi Knips, will be marketing a vip-configured B757 and a BAe146 configured for 34 passengers, a G450 and G550 all of which are expected to be in service in November.

The aircraft join a 40-seat MD83 based in Manston, five G200s and a G450. Aylett says she and Knips have been in aviation for eight years. "We decided to join a young and expanding aircraft operator and are excited by the new aircraft additions, especially the B757 which will really fill a market niche."

Shaban says the G200s are "perfect" for trips from Europe to the Middle East and Africa and the 78-seat B757 will certainly be used for larger groups,with larger baggage requirements, on long haul flights.

He adds: "The G200 has a good range, excellent cabin and a larger baggage hold volume compared to competitors in its class. The new 18-seat G550 will add further flexibility for our customers through its ultra long range capability, cabin size and large luggage compartment."

Gainjet, which is currently recruiting additional pilots, is looking into markets outside of Europe. "We have established Gainjet Russia and are currently studying India and North Africa," says Shaban. "In 2009 we expect that the fleet will grow by 20 per cent with aircraft ownership and demand for private jets expected to grow despite the current economic situation."