When production ceased in 1997 the Jetstream line had been flying for 30 years, and had continuously developed during that time. Most Jetstreams entered commuter airline service, but a significant number are used for business charter around Europe too.

Conversions of Jetstreams to vip 19-seat configurations mean they can use more widely available private airfield facilities. The conversion, operators say, also permits very generous personal luggage allowances popular with golfers, skiers and the like.

The UK's Jetstream Executive Travel Limited based at Cannock in Staffordshire operates three Jetstreams 31/41 for passenger, freight and air ambulance. Capt. Steve Green says: "There are pretty basic facilities at the Coventry West Midlands home base. However most flights out are positioning so the facilities therefore suffice. The company acquired a Jetstream 31 which is performing as expected. The introduction of new clients through brokers is slow due to the economic slowdown."

Turkey's Redstar Aviation says the Jetstream 31/32/41 series is fuel efficient and enables versatile air ambulance and 19-passenger executive charter configurations.

The company is happy with the availability of spare parts, the maintenance, the dispatch reliability, and aircraft value. Pluses include 700-plus nm range, the stand-up cabin and the adequate storage facilities. But it points out: "The airspeed, while faster than most turboprops, is slower than jet aircraft."

Redstar Aviation adds that the Piaggio Avanti, the King Air 350 and the Learjet 60XR all have advantages over the Jetstream.

Marcus Abeln of Helitrans says he is satisfied with the maintenance support for the BA32 but unhappy with the dispatch reliability.

"Spare parts are hard to come by," he comments. But he says he is satisfied with the operating capability, very satisfied with the value, and regards the price per mile as the best aspect.

"The worst thing is the old fashioned cockpit and lack of aircraft with autopilot and the most desirable upgrade would be to have the model 41 EFIS cockpit for model 32 aircraft."

Operators say the Jetstream has established strong demand in the group charter sector.