Second Learjet 45 to be added to Beijing operation as plans for Japan takes shape
Business-jet charter company Global Wings plans to purchase within the next two months an additional Bombardier Learjet 45 for its Chinese operation and the first aircraft for its planned Japanese operation.
Osaka, Japan-based Global Wings launched revenue services in March with a new Learjet 45XR operated by Air China from a base in Beijing. Global Wings chief executive Tak Masamura says he is now in talks with Bombardier and aircraft brokers capable of delivering a used Learjet 45 in July or August. Masamura says the second Learjet will also be operated by Air China, but may be based in Shanghai instead of Beijing.
He says Global Wings is also negotiating with Bombardier to take delivery of another Learjet 45 or a Challenger early next year. Global Wings is also considering offers for similarly sized business jets from other manufacturers, with a decision expected in May or June. This aircraft will be flown under an air operator's certificate Global Wings is preparing to apply for as part of a plan to launch a Japanese operation next March.
Global Wings is now using its Learjet 45XR for VIP services within China and to neighbouring countries. The company is relying on Bombardier Flexjet and Air China's business jet division, which also operates a Gulfstream IV, to book its aircraft.
Global Wings also has a staff of 16 based at its headquarters in Osaka and a small office in Tokyo located within the headquarters of its majority owner, Japanese consulting company IXI. Global Wings is now trying to sell VIP flights to Japanese companies doing business in China, but has not yet operated any charters from Japan.
The concept of business aviation "is still very new in Japan", says Masamura. "It takes time to develop the market."
Global Wings is also now evaluating offers from several Japanese airports interested in providing business aircraft facilities and services. Masamura says he will pick a base within the next few months. The Japanese-registered aircraft will be used for domestic services and flights to countries other than China while the Chinese-registered aircraft will continue to be focused on the Chinese market, including Japanese companies interested in VIP services to and within China.
BRENDAN SOBIE/TOKYO
Source: Flight International
