MURDO MORRISON / LONDON
Bombardier is in talks with 20 charter companies in the region to offer its on-line service
Bombardier plans to launch an Asian version of Skyjet, its US-based on-line business aircraft charter reservation company, to tap into the region's burgeoning executive travel market. The venture may also provide Bombardier with a launch pad for its Flexjet fractional ownership programme in Asia.
The scheme, to be based in Hong Kong and due for launch early next year, will allow business travellers to book flights through operators of Bombardier aircraft types initially, but the scheme may be extended to other makes, says James Hoblyn, Bombardier's vice president marketing and programmes.
Bombardier believes Skyjet will stimulate customer demand for its regional operators both locally and from North American-based clients. Hoblyn says: "There is a growing number of Western companies who want to spend time in Asia and travel in a safe and reliable product. At the moment these people come off the plane in Beijing and get stuck."
Bombardier is talking to potential partners in China, Japan, Australia and South-East Asia, where around 20 charter companies operate Bombardier business jets, most of which, it says, are likely to become involved.
As demand for corporate travel grows, Bombardier predicts operator numbers will increase. Hoblyn adds: "If it reaches 50 in the short term, I'll be very happy. But in 10 to 20 years we are looking at a very significant market."
Bombardier, which has had a presence in Asia since 1979, claims to be the region's market leader in business and regional aircraft, with a fleet base of 95 aircraft and a 40% share of orders.
Source: Flight International