Ireland is the fastest-growing market for executive jet airline NetJets Europe, which is owned by Warren Buffet's Berkshire Hathaway investment group.
Irish-born Bill Kelly, NetJets Europe's chief executive, said its number of customers here grew by 74 per cent from 50 to 87 in 2007.
The airline used nine airports in Ireland last year, with Dublin accounting for 70 per cent of its business here.
This meant Ireland was its fastest-growing market alongside Russia.
"Dublin is now in our top 10 most popular airports used," NetJets chief executive said.
About 30 per cent of NetJets' Irish business comprises wealthy individuals, about 40 per cent is corporate and the balance is a mix of "lifestyle and business", according to Mr Kelly.
He said London, Paris, Cannes and Nice were popular destinations for his Irish customers.
NetJets allows it customers to buy or lease part of a jet. This entitles them to 50 hours or more flying time each year, depending on how much they pay.
Costs range from €400,000 for a 1/16th share of a seven-seater Hawker 400XP to €10 million for half a share in a Gulfstream 550.
Owners are guaranteed the availability of an aircraft within 10 hours, anywhere in Europe.
Mr Kelly said NetJets enjoyed a record year in 2007, with its net profits doubling. Its customer numbers increased by 25 per cent from 1,200 to 1,500 last year, driven by a desire among executive to beat congestion and long security queues at major airports.
NetJets plans to purchase 39 new aircraft this year with a market value of $715 million. This will increase its fleet to 174.
The European company is an offshoot of NetJets Inc in the United States, which was acquired in 1998 by legendary investor Buffet, who said he bought the company because he liked its service so much.
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