Casino Rodos has acquired an Avro Business Jet (ABJ) to transport clients to and from the casino based on the Greek island of Rhodes. Enrico Aidan, president and ceo, says: "Commercial airline schedules to Rhodes usually involve multiple flights and Casino Rodos wants to be able to offer clients the convenience and comfort of high quality personal executive transport."

The BAe 146-200 is scheduled for delivery early in 2009 and will be operated on behalf of Casino Rodos by GainJet, a Greek vip aircraft charter, management and sales company based in Athens.

Aidan adds: "When not used on Casino Rodos business, the aircraft will be offered for executive charter and company shuttle operations for third parties."

Casino Rodos says conversion to a new executive configuration is being carried out at Inflite Engineering Services at London Stansted.

"The new interior will seat up to 34 passengers in a full length undivided cabin with two Club-2 seats at the front, two divans and four Club-4 seats in the centre and two rows of four-abreast first-class seating at the rear. The aircraft will be equipped with a state-of-the-art inflight entertainment and communication system," Aidan says.

Casino Rodos is part of Queenco Leisure International Ltd which develops and operates casinos primarily in Greece and Romania. In addition, it has various complementary businesses at its casino locations, such as hotels and restaurants.

Paul Stirling, svp asset management for BAE Systems Regional Aircraft, says: "Some six ABJs are planned for delivery in 2008 and we are in detailed sales discussions with several other customers which could lead to further deals before the end of the year."

*Three Gulf governments have ordered the ABJ for their regional vip air transport requirements.