Marshall Executive Aviation, citing "the best prospects for private aviation there have ever been," is building an XLS charter fleet. The first of three of the Citation Jets ordered came into service last month.

"The market for this sized aircraft is booming at the moment and we see a good deal of further growth in this area over the next few years," reports chief pilot Pete Stroud. "We have one further XLS on order for a December 2008 delivery and anticipate a third being online at the end of 2009 or beginning of 2010."

Stroud adds: "Based at Cambridge, the aircraft will be used all across Europe, North Africa and Moscow. It has the ideal cabin size and range for European operations.

"The performance of the XLS means it can climb to cruising level very quickly which means a real increase in efficiency and passenger comfort. With the Marshall Aerospace Citation Service Centre on-site at Cambridge, choosing another Cessna was an easy decision," he says. MEA also operates a Citation Bravo.

Stroud continues: "The prospects for business aviation are the best that they have ever been. With MEA's mix of top line service, safety and reliability we hope to grow with the industry and provide our clients with the best product in the business." MEA, which is looking forward to celebrating the Marshall group of companies' centenary next year, points out that Cambridge City airport is also expanding.

A $4.5m development is currently underway to meet the ever-increasing business aviation demands. Due to open in late summer 2008, a 25,000 sq. ft. hangar is being built adjacent to the existing MRO facility. Both facilities will be linked by an integrated and purpose-built FBO which will offer a full suite of services for the corporate flyer, from exclusive customer lounge facilities on two levels, flight crew sleep cabins and quiet rooms, to special planning and weather centres, and catering for passengers and aircraft.

MEA, which started AOC operations in March 2003 with the Bravo, says it has no vacancies for pilots at the moment. However, the company adds: "We will be looking for a small number of people towards the end of the year. There is currently a vacancy for a commercial manager which will be a demanding and exciting role for the right person."