LUXURY jet operator Club328 has seen its income take off since moving from Farnborough to Southampton Airport earlier this year.

The company, which deals with the super rich, says business revenues have risen by 60 per cent, with the workforce having grown from 40 to 70 at the airport.

Launched by supermodel Jodie Kidd in Monaco in September, Club 328 derives its distinctive name from its requirement that members pay 328,000 euros into a Swiss bank account in order to join.

The cash is translated into points which can be spent on a range of exclusive services, including private jet travel.

Other services on offer from Club328, which has bases in the south of France and Geneva, Switzerland, include use of jets, yachts, and fast cars at preferential rates.

The company has also seen electronics giant Philips Semiconductors pay for two flights a week to its Dutch base.

Philips employs 510 staff in a facility in Millbrook, Southampton, but found business was hampered by the lack of a local flight to its Eindhoven base.

Newly-appointed group commercial director Jeremy Nathan said there is also increasing demand for air charter from the broker fraternity.

He said: "We anticipate working with brokers more on group travel, pop tours and for sporting and leisure trips as we look to expand Club328 further into Europe."

Club328 boss Warren Seymour said: "The reasons why more and more individuals and businesses are looking to private jet travel is becoming increasingly obvious.

"Whether it's a conference, product launch, private golf or ski trip, clients enjoy the flexibility, security and general time saving.

"The privacy of chartering an aircraft of ten seats plus is especially valued by clients from the sport and entertainment industries, who value the discretion and security aspects."

The company continues to expand and plans to take on a 32-seat airliner known as Space Shuttle later this month.