FORMER workers with a defunct West Malling aviation firm are now flying high with a Swiss company that has opened its first UK operation in Kent.

Jet Aviation, an executive aircraft servicing operation with more than 60 outlets worldwide, expects to create at least 60 jobs at Biggin Hill.

The Zurich-based 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 huge 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, himself a former Metair employee, 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, worked for Metair at West Malling before the World War 2 fighter station was transformed into Kings Hill business and residential park, forcing Metair 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."

He said a number of workers with Metair, many of them still living in Mid-Kent and the Medway Towns, were now on Jet Aviation's payroll.