Comlux Group is exploring the possibility of partnering with a Chinese company to perform private jet cabin completions on the Mainland.
The partnership would primarily be aimed at completions for larger business jets, namely those produced by Airbus and Boeing, says company executive vice-president Arnaud Martin.
Martin notes that Chinese buyers tend to focus on their aircraft’s cabin amenties. A ten-year-old 737 BBJ, for example, costs about $40 million, or half the price of a new aircraft. A series of relatively straightforward updates to the cabin, such as new lighting, flat screens, and wifi can give owners a fully modern experience.
In addition, the updated aircraft can be delivered faster than a newly-built one.
Two aircraft related to the company appeared on the static line at the ABACE show in Shanghai. A Comlux-owned ACJ319 was chartered by Airbus to appear at the show, while a privately-owned BBJ at the show had its cabin upgraded by Comlux in 2013.
Martin adds that Chinese owners are only now learning the true costs of operating a private jet, but are also reluctant to charter out their aircraft to defray costs. He feels that as the market matures more owners will be open to charters.
Source: Flight International
