Maltese operator Europ-Star is managing a Challenger 300 for a private client, which it will also be offering for ad hoc charter on its AOC.

Flight operations manager Gaston Debono says that the owner came to him based on the company's reputation. “He was with a previous company and he decided to leave them and join us. Whether we are cheaper or not I don't know, because I don't go into the accounts, but reputation, I believe, goes a long way in this business.”

Debono praises the comfort of the aircraft and is impressed with its range. “It doesn't quite have non-stop transatlantic capability, but I think that the size, the comfort and the affordability are all key factors. We have good crew in our company with an impeccable safety record.”

Regular routes are expected to be to Russia, Kiev and parts of mainland Europe. In the past few years, Debono has witnessed a surge in popularity in the Maltese register. “The number of aircraft registered here is constantly increasing. The Maltese people are known for their hard working qualities, their commitment, and their high standards. Their command of the English language is excellent.

“The Maltese Civil Aviation Directorate is helpful too in that they accept books in English rather than French or German. I don't feel there are any real challenges faced by operators who base aircraft here.”

With the European economy showing signs of improvement, he sees a bright future for the Austrian-headquartered company. Across Europ-Star's two AOCs it currently operates nearly a dozen aircraft, including two XLS, a Falcon, a G150 and two CJ3s. Debono is now considering managing similar types to the Challenger: “At the moment we are having discussions about a Global 5000. We have a Challenger 604 as well. So we will be maximising our resources.”