ExecuJet's strategy for its Asia Pacific business is to increase its aircraft management portfolio in the region, and also to boost its MRO capabilities.
The company manages ten business jets in the region, two of which were signed up in March, says the company’s managing director Asia, Graeme Duckworth. Of these, four are based in Kuala Lumpur, five in Singapore, and one in Indonesia.
“The focus is expanding our aircraft management business, which requires little infrastructure,” says Duckworth. “The reason we’ve been successful so far is that we have a simple model based on centres of excellence around the Group.”
Duckworth spoke with Flightglobal at the Asia Business Aviation Conference and Exhibition held in Shanghai from 15-17 April. The company did not bring any aircraft to the show, but it had a stand in one of the halls.
ExecuJet, however, does not see an opportunity to manage "B" (Greater China) registered aircraft. To do so it would need to obtain an air operator’s certificate, which requires owning two aircraft, as well as employing pilots and maintenance personnel.
“It is not cost effective to get an AOC in China unless you’re local and have another reason for owning a business jet,” says Duckworth. “As a standalone business it doesn’t make sense. We are very interested, however, in managing foreign owned, locally based aircraft.”
According to consultancy Asian Sky Group, of the 371 private jets operational in China, just 73% are registered locally in China, Hong Kong, or Macau. Other business jets in Greater China bear registrations from jurisdictions from USA (55), Caymen Islands (26), Isle of Man (9), and Bermuda (8).
Duckworth adds that following its receipt of EASA Part 145 approval for its MRO facility at Subang airport in Kuala Lumpur, it hopes to receive HKAR-145 approval from Hong Kong’s Civil Aviation Department. This will give the company the opportunity to provide MRO support for Hong Kong registered aircraft.
Source: FlightGlobal.com
