Bombardier is expected to announce new partners for its Flexjet Asia network here at Asian Aerospace 2002.
Launched at the end of 2001 with three regional operators, the charter scheme is a sign of the Canadian manufacturer's confidence in the region's potential to sustain business aviation growth.
The launch operators Ð China's Shandong Airline Rainbow Jet Company, Philippines-based Subic International Air Charter and Jet Asia of Macau Ð are now linked by the technology developed by Bombardier in its North American online charter provider, Bombardier Skyjet. Information about availability of Bombardier-built business jets in the region is consolidated at hubs in Hong Kong and Washington, DC.
Bombardier Flexjet president Clifford Dickman was bullish about the market in Asia when announcing the launch at the rescheduled NBAA in New Orleans, saying: "Business aviation is growing in Asia and Ð following six months of market testing Ð we have confirmed that customers in the region and those visiting from abroad have a strong desire for efficient and convenient travel solutions.
Standards
"North American and European business jet users are requesting, in growing numbers, that we provide an Asian service equivalent to the standards they currently enjoy."
Shandong has signed a firm order for four Challenger 604 business jets. The first of these will be delivered next month and used in the Flexjet Asia network. Headquartered in the provincial capital of Jinan about 500km south of Beijing, Shandong is one of the China's fastest growing and most profitable airlines. It believes the demand for flexible business charter is set to rise rapidly. The country's entry into the World Trade Organisation (WTO) and its successful bid for the 2008 Olympic Games will be the drivers for growth, says Shandong chairman Sun De Han.
"Demand for business charter services in Asia is on the upswing and the People's Republic of China in particular represents a strong market for this service. Our fleet of Bombardier Challenger aircraft, combined with Bombardier's Skyjet technology and charter brokerage experience, positions Shandong very nicely to capture a large share of this market."
In Europe, within the past two weeks Bombardier has announced new deals for its Flexjet customers, introducing a set of new Jet Membership packages. These it claims address the uniquely European concern over business aircraft appearing on the balance sheet. Customers can now buy flight time rather than the traditional fractional model of acquiring a share of the aircraft.
Demand
Unveiling the new package Ð and eight partner airlines Ð James Hoblyn, managing director of Flexjet Europe, said: "There is a growing demand for business jet usage in the region. However not all Europeans want the costs or long-term commitment associated with fractional ownership as developed in the USA. Through our new Flexjet programmes, we're able to offer a range of flexible options which allow our customers to choose what works best for them."
Source: Flight Daily News
