Lufthansa Technik is predicting a “big demand” in China and India over the next few years for regional jet-derived corporate shuttles, as businesses make their first forays into large-scale corporate travel.
The German company last year launched corporate cabin-completion packages for both the Executive 850 version of the Bombardier Challenger 850 – as part of a 17-aircraft deal with the Canadian manufacturer – and the Airbus A318. Airbus has won orders for 13 of the latter, which is offered as the A318 Elite, with first deliveries next year. Speaking at last month’s Asian Aerospace show, Lufthansa Technik chairman August Henningsen said: “The market here is growing for standardised business jets that can be completed reasonably quickly.”
Henningsen also said “interest is really big” in a VIP-configured A380, and that the company has received “a number of expressions of interest” after it launched a concept corporate interior at the European Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition last May. “I have always had the expectation that there will be demand for a VIP aircraft and now my expectations are confirmed,” he says.
Meanwhile, Henningsen hints that Lufthansa Technik is keen to develop maintenance facilities in India, although the country’s fast-growing fleet will be too young to justify anything in the near future. “We are in discussion with new and legacy carriers,” he adds. “When we have something to say, you will be the first to know.”
MURDO MORRISON / SINGAPORE
Source: Flight International
