Mainland China’s business jet fleet will continue to climb at a heathy pace in 2013, but the rate of growth will be markedly slower than in 2012, says business aviation consulting company Asian Sky Group (ASG).
In its half-yearly report, ASG forecasts the Chinese fleet of new and used business jets will grow by 18%, compared with 40% in 2012. The slowdown has been prompted by the cooling Chinese economy, central government fiscal measures, and a longer decision-making process among the country’s “more educated [aircraft] buyers”.
China’s business jet fleet climbed by 96 aircraft in 2011 but only 37 jets have been added in 2013 so far, says ASG. “Activity levels are expected to increase in the third quarter,” adds the Hong Kong-headquartered company. The report also highlights the growing Chinese interest in pre-owned aircraft. Used types account for 19% of China’s overall fleet growth in 2013, says ASG, with two Embraer Legacy 600s, two Gulfstream G200s and three Bombardier Challenger types added to the fleet. Increasing numbers of used types are being sold to corporations, ASG says.
Source: Flight International
