Hard on the heels of winning a five-year, exclusive contract to run Cambridge Airport's FBO, ExecuJet Europe announces today that it is to further strengthen its presence at its new UK home. The business aviation company plans to relocate its Aircraft Operations Department from Zurich, Switzerland to Cambridge during the second quarter of 2012, while, at the same time, retaining resources at its Headquarters to run its Swiss AOC.

"We recognise the value and flexibility of this sizeable new facility in the UK which has great potential to help develop and strengthen our European business further." Business aviation in the UK has traditionally been a very important market especially in terms of medium size and large business aircraft registered, generating over 30% of business aviation employment in the EU. "Bolstering our presence in the UK is a logical next step for us," explains Cedric Migeon, Managing Director ExecuJet in Europe. "In striving to keep our business ahead of the game, we must take full advantage of opportunities available, while keeping a firm eye on the current economic situation in Europe. In reducing some of our costs and using the excellent resources we have in Cambridge, we will be gaining a competitive advantage in the market."

Some positions will be moved from Zurich to Cambridge, but the company's European Headquarters, as well as ExecuJet Aviation Group's Headquarters will remain in Zurich. The move will have no effect on the Swiss AOC the company holds. Staffing in the UK will increase to a headcount of about 40 by year end for the office staff, which will complement approximately 40 UK-based crew. Extensive training is on-going for more than six months to ensure a smooth transition to the new team in the UK. ExecuJet has offered some employees whose positions have been made redundant in Zurich the opportunity to join the company's UK office in Cambridge.

"Cambridge Airport is excited that ExecuJet has decided to expand its presence here. We applaud them for their foresight in recognising what we are building up here at the airport," said Airport Director Archie Garden.

The ExecuJet Aviation Group

The ExecuJet Aviation Group is a leading global business aviation organisation offering a diverse range of services including pre-owned and new aircraft sales, aircraft management for private and commercial registered aircraft, aircraft charter, aircraft maintenance, aircraft completions management and fixed base operations. Headquartered in Zürich, Switzerland, ExecuJet has operations in six regions - Africa, Asia, Australasia, Europe, Latin America and the Middle East, embracing a workforce of over 850 experienced staff.

The ExecuJet Aviation Group manages 150 business jets worldwide under the most stringent safety standards. Its commercial fleet is operated under the regulatory umbrella of seven regional civil aviation issued air operating certificates (AOCs). ExecuJet has many authorised maintenance facilities throughout four regions, certified to work on most Business Jets. The ExecuJet Aviation Group operates sixteen world class FBO worldwide.

The ExecuJet Aviation Group offers considerable experience in new and pre-owned aircraft sales worldwide and has a large inventory of business aircraft to suit all budgets with an international team of sales directors offering local knowledge and expertise.

Contributed by ExecuJet Aviation Group