Fractional ownership could be the next major development to boost business aircraft sales in the Asia-Pacific region - or not, depending on whom you talk to.
Gulfstream's Bryan Moss has said at the show that he believes Asia-Pacific will follow the lead from the Middle East market where fractional ownership is just taking off.
But Bombardier's John Lawson is equally adamant that it will never happen.
"The region is so large and the economic case is not right to sustain a fractional ownership programme," he says. "We believe that the more traditional charter market will be the way ahead in the region."
Bombardier has thrown its weight into an alliance with Global Aviation, the Singapore-based subsidiary of charter jet specialist Winfair. Global Aviation operates from bases in Singapore (Seletar airbase) and Guangzhou in China.
Winfair has just ordered two Challenger 604s which its sales and marketing director John Dowsett says will drive the company's entry into the long-range charter market. The aim is to provide business and government leaders travelling in China and Asia with reliable and efficient alternatives to commercial flight.
Growth
Hong Kong-based Metrojet, another charter business in the region, says this is a key area for growth. Metrojet president Mylene Scholnick says there is a growing demand from business executives to get to cities across China.
"As the only charter business in Hong Kong, we are able to get permits on the same day and this allows us fast turnarounds," says Scholnick.
From a launch in 1995, Metrojet has grown steadily, receiving its Air Operator's Certificate in 1997 and flying its own Hawker 700. But like Moss, Scholnick believes fractional ownership will drive the market up even further.
"It is the key to the manufacturers selling their products," says Scholnick. "They start by utilising the charter services and then develop into fractional ownership.
"We have talked to Dassault and Gulfstream about the possibilities." Metrojet provides a full range of services from flight operations and crewing to maintenance co-ordination and aviation accounting.
"We believe that with the new Chek Lap Kok airport coming into operation, there will be even greater opportunities," Scholnick says.
Bryan Moss will be keen to see just how great those opportunities are.
Gulfstream, with Executive Jet and a group of local investors, has created a company which will manage the operation for 12 Gulfstream IV-SP in the Middle East. The first aircraft will be delivered next year.
Source: Flight Daily News
