China's Capital Jet plans to open a new super large fixed-based operation (FBO) at Beijing International Airport by the 2008 Olympics. The general manager of Capital Jet and parent company Capital Airport Holding's VIP department Zhao Qijiang says the new facility will be able to accommodate up to four Boeing 747s, making it the largest FBO in the world.
Capital Jet - a joint venture established in 2001 by Capital Airports, China Aviation Oil and Beijing Tongda Air Services - already handles all VIP flights into Beijing. But it is not considered a full-service FBO because its customs, lounge and parking services are spread across several airport locations.
Zhao told the China General Aviation Forum 2004 in Beijing last week that Capital Jet "strives to become a fully functional FBO in two to three years", adding several new services such as visa processing and customs for cargo. It also plans to apply for the authority to manage business aviation flights and to establish a business aircraft maintenance facility and parts distribution centre.
BRENDAN SOBIE / BEIJING
Source: Flight International
