Germany's Silver Bird Charterflug GmbH has moved from Bremen to Saarbruecken as a new ceo spearheads the addition of long-haul and aircraft management business dimensions to its ad hoc charter and ambulance flights. "A Legacy 600, G450 and a G550 will be added to the fleet over the next few months," confirms Joerg Socko who is managing the fleet expansion and new strategy.

Head of flight operations Frank Titze currently utilises a Learjet 40 and 45 as well as a Learjet 55 and 60 which are authorised for ambulance flights. The company has started business at its new Saarbruecken airport premises with 21 staff that could more than double in number as ambitious expansion plans are implemented.

Socko says: "As a result of the departure by Cirrus Aviation we have found optimum structures in Saarbruecken as well as human resources, on which to base growth. So, after some 15 years in Bremen, we have taken the decision to further expand our fleet at the Saarbruecken business location."

He adds: "In operating the G450, G550 and the Legacy 600 we are re-aligning ourselves strategically on the market and are concentrating increasingly on internationalisation. We intend to provide the highest level of services to passengers with very discerning requirements. Gulfstreams are the ideal type of aircraft for maximum cruising ranges and exceptional comfort. This strategic change of direction lays the foundations for a new area of business, aircraft management, and the focus will hence be directed towards aircraft owners who require an operator for their aircraft."

Silver Bird previously focused its Learjets mostly on charter flights for business and private travellers to destinations within Europe and on ambulance flights.

Peter Doellner, who founded Silverbird 1994 as a flight school, says that Socko will focus on internationalisation and opening up new areas of business. The company aims to more than double the number of staff in 2009. "Approximately 30 jobs are still to be filled this year," he adds. "The increase in staff will depend on fleet expansion. At present three more aircraft are planned for a start, but we will see how the year progresses, and will fill posts accordingly."

Socko says Silver Bird is offering business customers and individuals in the Saar-Lor-Lux region especially attractive introductory prices until 1 June 2009 through sales that are handled exclusively by the partner company Charter Lounge, which has moved its offices from St. Ingbert to Saarbruecken.

Silverbird has an international and domestic base of corporate clients with many based in Russia and its maintenance is carried out by Cirrus Technik.