Chinese Business Aviation Sector Offers Challenges, Opportunities

We are pleased to welcome the newest member of the Jetcraft management team. Diana Chou, a true business aviation pioneer, recently joined Jetcraft as Chairwoman in Asia. With over 15 years in the industry, Diana brings a wealth of business aviation knowledge and experience to the Jetcraft team based in Hong Kong. She will enhance the company’s already unparalleled local expertise in aircraft sales, transactions and marketing.

Diana is pleased to offer her thoughts on the Chinese business aviation sector.

How would you characterize the Chinese business aviation sector?​

China has the largest mobile phone user base in the world. It also has the largest online shopping economy. China is a dynamic market and shows great potential for private aircraft ownership. Some buyers have never flown before and their first flying experience is in their own private jet or helicopter!  

The sector is a bit different from the US or Europe in that the Chinese people never experienced the industrial revolution. The consumer here went from no TV to color TV or from no telephone at home to a mobile phone in their hands.

Is the slight slowdown in the Chinese private jet market temporary or a sign of potential long-term trouble?

If we are taking a long term view, the current slowdown is a good thing for the industry.  We will see some consolidation as well as mergers and acquisitions. The slowdown will also give the industry a breather to spend time on training and upgrading its infrastructure and safety standards so that they are well prepared for the next wave of growth. I definitely foresee that the Chinese market will one day be as big as the U.S. sector.

What do you see as Jetcraft’s greatest strength in Asia?

Jetcraft greatest strength is in its heritage. Its large worldwide network and its technical and data support system. No aircraft ownership strategy company in the world has operated for over 50 years and has offices in every continent of the world. The customer-centric services Jetcraft provides and its up-to-date technical and marketing data is second to none. In addition, we are partnering with local talents who are familiar with the culture and needs of the customer. 

What else should customers know about Jetcraft Asia?  

Jetcraft offers turnkey solutions for our clients. With a group of trusted allies such as aircraft operators, charter brokers, leasing companies, lawyers and PPI consulates, we can offer one- stop-shopping for any jet buyers or sellers. In addition, with Jetcraft’s large international network, we are also able to help owners sell their jets when they are upgrading to a new aircraft. We can do this much quicker than any other company and we also have the financial resources to handle trade in deals.