German charter operator Cirrus Aviation is joining forces with Luxair of Luxembourg. The alliance will result in Cirrus operating a fleet of 17 executive jets, including various Cessna Citations, Bombardier Learjets and larger aircraft up to the Global Express.

Cirrus was set up in 1995 as a regional airline and became a Lufthansa partner in 2000. The executive charter and aircraft management business was separated from the airline in 2001, and Swiss Eagle was taken over in 2004. Planning to add another Learjet 40, a Challenger 300 and a Global 5000 to its fleet, Cirrus is now recruiting 20 qualified flight attendants. The company notes that flights into Russia are in particular demand.

Cirrus Aviation claims to be one of the major European executive aircraft operators, with sales offices in London, Moscow, Paris, Berne and Beirut, and now Luxembourg in addition to its Saarbruecken headquarters. The group employs a total staff of 1,200 and operates more than 50 aircraft, including regional airliners.