European Aviation has entered the VIP aircraft market following the addition of a B737-700(BBJ), 2-BIGG (msn 36027). Managing director Trevor Whetter told ch-aviation the company expects to introduce the aircraft into service in March 2026, subject to engine availability. The firm is now seeking a pair of CFM International CFM56-7B engines for lease or purchase.

"We acquired this aircraft to enter the marketplace as a long-term strategy, as it's a market we have not ventured into before," Whetter said, adding that the Boeing Business Jet's extended range and cabin interior were key factors in the acquisition.

The 19-year-old Guernsey-registered aircraft is configured for up to 13 passengers. Previously operated by Global Jet Luxembourg as LX-MBJ, it had been parked at Dubai International since March 9, 2022. Remarketed by Volare Aviation (Guernsey), it was ferried to Hurghada on May 9, 2025, then to Guernsey on May 19, before continuing to Oxford Kidlington, where it has remained parked since May 20.

"We need to obtain [the engines] now, which is a challenge, but we will overcome this somehow," Whetter said. The aircraft will be based in the United Kingdom, with European Aviation currently in talks to place it under a third-party air operator's certificate (AOC). The company is targeting March 2026 for entry into service.

Whetter added that further projects will be announced within the next two weeks, but could not provide details. European Aviation owns an A340-300, an A340-600, and two B737-300s, all registered in Guernsey except for one of the B737s, which is registered in the United Kingdom. Whetter confirmed that the two B737-300s are not airworthy and are considered beyond economical repair.

The VIP market represents European Aviation's third venture, following European Aircharter (Bournemouth), which ceased operations in 2008, and European Cargo (SE, Bournemouth), launched in 2021 and currently operating a fleet of six A340-600(P2F)s.

Earlier this year, Priority 1 Logistics, a United States-based aerospace and defence company, completed the full acquisition of European Cargo. Priority 1 Logistics owns the carrier's six A340-600(P2F)s, in addition to six A340-600s and three A340-500s. The firm has also launched P1 Leasing, an Ireland-based aircraft leasing arm, and owns a Norwegian handling company, Perishable Centre Nord.