Flexjet has launched its European operation, unveiling the first of three Nextant 400XTi light business jets at a dedicated event on 1 March atTAGFarnborough airport in the UK.The remaining units will be handed over to the Birmingham, UK-headquartered operator before the end of the first quarter.

The new service will be aimed at Flexjet’s North American customers wishing to travel within Europe, the Middle East and Africa. The fleet will also be available for ad hoc charter through what Flexjet describes as its “select European charter broker partners”.

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Speaking at the launch, Ray Jones, chief executive of the start-up, said he is optimistic for the company’s prospects in the region despite the huge competition in the crowded, light business jet charter market.“We know from client feedback that this product offering has been eagerly awaited,” he says.

Flexjet's foundations are built on “three cornerstones", he says, which set the company apart from its rivals. "These are price, a benchmark in quality, and a benchmark in speed-to-market," he explains. "This operation delivers on all three."

The remanufactured 400XTi “outperforms all other light jets by nearly every measure”, Jones continues, with a 2,000nm (3,700km) range, a high cruise speed of 450kt (830km/h), and low operating costs. “The aircraft have also been customised to a very high standard by [US completions company]Constant Aviation,” he says.

Constant, Flexjet and Nextant are owned by US private investment firm Directional Aviation Capital.

The 400XTis will be operated by Flexjet’s affiliate FlairJet under its aircraft operator’s certificate. The UK charter and management company was acquired from Marshall Aerospace in August 2016 for an undisclosed sum.

Jones says Flexjet is looking to accelerate its fleet expansion, and will introduce its large-cabin offering by the end of this year. “We are a young company and will evolve the business to meet the needs of our clients,” he says.