New Japanese agent chosen to handle sales of manufacturer's business jet product line amid hopes of market growth
Japanese industry sources say Sojitz last month took over marketing and selling the Challenger, Global Express and Learjet families of business jets. Challenger and Global Express sales were previously handled in Japan by Aero Partners and Learjet by Itochu.
A Bombardier source confirms the manufacturer earlier severed its ties with Aero Partners and Itochu and has been looking to consolidate both accounts with a single agent. The source says an agreement with Sojitz has not yet been forged, although the company has been seeking to win the account for some time.
Sojitz, created earlier this year from the merger of Nissho Iwai and Nichimen America, already serves as Bombardier's regional aircraft sales agent in Japan. It also represents Boeing in Japan and has gained experience in the business aviation sector over the last year through its stake in new Guam-based corporate jet charter operator ShareJet.
Business jet manufacturers typically rely on agents to tackle the challenging Japanese market. There are only a few business jets registered in Japan but manufacturers hope the market will grow as regulations are loosened and new business aviation friendly airports open.
Source: Flight International
