Flexjet expands to Hong Kong as European operation is restructured and expanded to make it more competitive
Bombardier has launched Flexjet Asia, a charter network providing access to business jets based in China and the Asia-Pacific region. The company has also unveiled plans to restructure its Flexjet Europe operation, to make a wider range of newer aircraft available through charter agreements with local providers.
Flexjet, which operates in the USA as a fractional ownership programme, decided charter was the preferred solution in Asia, says Bombardier International president Robert Greenhill. The company has signed agreements with three Asian operators of Bombardier business jets: China's Shandong Airlines Rainbow Jet, which has four Challenger 604s on order; Philippines-based Subic International Air Charter, which operates Learjets and has a Continental on order; and Jet Asia of Macau, which has two Challengers. Hong Kong-based Flexjet Asia will begin charter operations by next June, when the first Challenger is delivered to Shandong.
Flexjet Europe, which sells block charter hours to customers, will be restructured to make it more competitive. The 10 Bombardier-operated Learjet 31s, 60s and Challengers now in the fleet will be replaced by the second quarter of 2002 with up to 20 newer aircraft operated by charter providers in Europe. The company has signed agreements with Aero Dienst, DaimlerChrysler, Gold Air and Jet Connection, says Flexjet president Clifford Dickman.
Flexjet Europe's flight operations base in Copenhagen, Denmark, will be closed and the restructured operation headquartered in London. Dickman says the change responds to competition in Europe from charter providers offering newer aircraft. The revamped Flexjet Europe will be able to offer a wider range of aircraft, he says, comprising newer versions of the Learjet 31, 45 and 60, and Challenger 604.
In the USA, where Flexjet continues to provide fractional ownership, the fleet has grown to 110 aircraft, with over 700 shares sold, says Dickman.
The first Global Express will be added to the fleet in January, and Bombardier has adopted a new fractional model for the ultra-long-range aircraft. A quarter share will entitle the owner to use the aircraft for 60 days, or 250h, says Dickman. This exploits the aircraft's considerable range and provides 50h more than competing programmes, he adds.
Source: Flight International
