CINCINNATI, Oct. 18, 2007 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- Delta AirElite Business Jets continues to respond to increased customer demand through the addition of three more aircraft to its fleet. A Citation CJ2 and two new Learjet 45XR aircraft have been added and will be flown under Delta AirElite's FAR Part 135 operating certificate.
"We continue to see strong nationwide demand due to the growth of our Fleet Membership jet card and charter programs," said Michael B. Green, president and chief executive officer of Delta AirElite Business Jets. "These aircraft not only will serve an important role in fulfilling this demand, but also demonstrate our continued commitment to offering our customers access to the most popular models available to meet their requirements."
The Citation CJ2 features a luxurious six-passenger configuration, and delivers a comfortable, smooth and quiet flight up to a range of 1,600 nautical miles at 410 mph.
The Learjet 45XR is the latest version of the popular Bombardier Learjet 45 and offers significantly improved payload-range capabilities and the fastest high-speed cruise in its class. The aircraft can travel nearly 2,000 nautical miles with eight passengers, offering spacious seating and a wide range of inflight amenities.
Delta AirElite offers customers one of the largest, most diverse fleets of well-appointed, late-model business jets in the industry. The company's aircraft are well-positioned throughout the United States, which is reflected in this latest addition. The CJ2 is based in the Southeast, and the two Learjet 45XRs are centrally located in the Midwest.
Delta AirElite is strategically increasing its aircraft availability through charter management agreements. These agreements provide high-quality and well-maintained aircraft to Delta AirElite's broad base of on-demand charter and Fleet Membership customers. Charter management agreements are an attractive option for corporations and aircraft owners who want to lower aircraft ownership costs and generate revenue by having their corporate jets approved for Delta AirElite's charter operations.
Delta AirElite Business Jets is a wholly owned subsidiary of Delta Air Lines, providing aircraft charter, aircraft management and its innovative Fleet Membership program. With 23 years of serving business aviation travelers, Delta AirElite is the only business jet operator owned by a major U.S. airline. The company operates a diverse fleet of Bombardier Challenger, Learjet, Gulfstream, Hawker and Cessna aircraft. For more information, please call 877-DAE-JETS (877-323-5387) or visit www.AirElite.com.