Czech operator Grossmann Jet Service (GJS), which has been operating a Legacy 600 since 2005, is extremely happy with its choice.

Dagmar Grossmann, ceo, says: "I simply love this aircraft. Our Legacy 600 has performed extremely well. I like to tell people that this aircraft is akin to a plough ox tilling the fields: it is hard-working and reliable and gives no cause for complaint.

"We have certainly exposed the Legacy 600 to all sorts of conditions, including both hot and cold destinations and quick turnarounds. We've been completely satisfied with its reliability and superior performance."

She adds: "This April, the aircraft underwent a C-check and complete interior refurbishment. The satellite communication system has been updated, allowing clients to use wireless internet and mobile phones during the entire flight."

The Legacy 600 was the first aircraft in the company's fleet and was showcased a few weeks after delivery at a Dubai air show in 2005. "It was on a static display with a number of other aircraft, but still stood out and garnered a great deal of attention," Grossmann recalls. "The positive feedback continued at air shows in Singapore in 2006 and in Friedrichshafen in 2007. In 2008, the Legacy began spending more time in flight as a part of several concert tours."

She says the Legacy 600 has an especially comfortable and spacious cabin. "It also offers distinct cost advantages when travelling with eight or more passengers. Another good thing is that the luggage compartment can be accessed during the flight and that a divan can be converted to a queen-size bed for long-haul flights."

She says the Legacy 600 has a very focused client target group and needs a fine attention to detail in its operation.

"We use several different service facilities for our aircraft, as I think it is important to tailor the care to each aircraft. Even if the maintenance facilities have the same high standards, they differ in details like their customer support, or their strengths may lie in different areas, such as engineering. Depending on what we need to keep our aircraft in top condition, we use the strengths of several facilities and even have a permanent contract with the local MRO."

Grossmann adds: "It is simply a great aircraft that has enabled us to do great business even in a shallow market. I take pride in it in a similar way that parents take pride in the achievements of their children." The Legacy 600 has benefited from an interior refurbishment that features, she says, a "unique" stone floor in the galley and lavatory. "This is the first time this floor has been installed in a business jet. It has a new carpet, new soft furnishings, iPod outlets, Wi-Fi internet, online TV and new curtains."

But Grossmann says: "The galley is a very compact space. Our flight attendants, however, have been brilliant in making the best use of the space and storing everything we need. The range could be better and the landing fees are too high. But overall it really is a good aircraft and I definitely would go for it again."

Companies focusing on the super midsize sector may well gravitate towards aircraft with longer ranges and larger cabins especially if, as expected, a world economic recovery kicks in over the next few years.