A SWISS executive aircraft servicing company is taking off in Kent with 60 new jobs - and there could be more to come. Jet Aviation, a global operation with more than 60 outlets worldwide, has officially opened its first UK facility at Biggin Hill.

The company has pumped £3.25 million into hangars, offices and VIP suites, and plans more investment in the coming years. Two jets owned by Formula One chief Bernie Ecclestone stood in the main hangar for the opening ceremony.

Jet Aviation has already created 25 jobs, many taken by people previously with Metair at West Malling. Deputy general manager Chris Webb, from Aylesford, said there would be 40 by the end of the year and 60 in 2003. "There could be more thereafter but we will have to see how it develops," he said.

Mr Webb, who has spent nearly 30 years in the aviation industry, previously worked for Metair at West Malling before the creation of Kings Hill business and residential park forced the company to move to Biggin Hill. Metair in turn became Hunting Aviation, a company that recently pulled out of the industry. Trace Worldwide took over some of its operations.

Mr Webb welcomed Jet Aviation's decision to set up at Biggin Hill. "This is good news for Kent," he said. "It means we can arrange aircraft support and charter for Kent businesses and it also brings more employment."

Andrew Walters, airport chairman, said Jet Aviation's decision was a great boost for an airport that has frequent battles with Bromley council over expansion plans. "Nobody's asking to be Heathrow but we just need to be able to respond to the market as it is today, otherwise people won't come to London or do business with the UK," he said.

"It's a demonstration of what the airport can do despite everything the council does to try and stop us. It's exactly what the airport is here to do - to facilitate people coming from all over the world to do business with London and Kent." Jet Aviation was founded in Basle 35 years ago. It specialises in maintenance, refurbishment, fixed base operations, charter and aircraft sales.

Thomas Hirschmann, son of the founder, said before cutting the red ribbon: "We looked at Farnborough, Stansted, Luton and Biggin Hill. "After careful consideration, we determined that Biggin Hill was our best location. It is not only one of the closest airports to the heart of London, but we also believe that this airport has the clear prospects of being an essential aviation resource. Biggin Hill is a key destination and gateway for London."