BAE (Booth No. 8237) is moving heavier into aircraft remarketing, according to Stewart Cordner, vice president of the company’s Avro Business Jet (ABJ) unit.

BAE Asset Management recently signed a deal to place eight Airbus A340-200s and -300s for GMT Global Republic. GMT had leased the aircraft to major airlines, including Virgin Atlantic. Cordner said these aircraft, although older, are ideal for low-utilization customers, such as governments looking for cost-effective VVIP lift. BAE has moved both single-aisle and wide-body airliners in the past. It recently placed a Boeing 767-300ER from Presidential Flight and also has represented several Airbus A318s on behalf of funds and banks.

BAE also has successfully repackaged and marketed several of its Avro 85 and Avro 100 commuter jets under its ABJ program. Cordner said ABJs are particularly popular in the Middle East, where eight are based. Currently, 24 ABJs are in service. Cordner said the cost of converting an Avro to an ABJ, including the acquisition of the aircraft, is equivalent to a price of a new midsize business jet.

BAE announced that it recently placed two more ABJs into service. The first is being operated by Casino Rodos and used to shuttle customers from mainland Europe to the company’s casino on the Greek Island of Rhodes. The aircraft was converted from its airline layout to a 34-seat executive configuration by Inflite Engineering Services at London-Stansted. It is operated on behalf of the casino and its corporate parent, Queenco, by Alfa Air of Bucharest.

A second aircraft will be operated as a mining shuttle in Bolivia in a remote area south of La Paz.