Page 27 - AAA JULY-AUGUST 2012 Online Magazine

FEATURE BUSINESS JETS

nonetheless, there are still problems for the subject of business aviation to come particularly the high growth lcc sector.
on the flight path. one major problem to the forefront in asian aviation circles: The KPis of aviation officials are still
is the lack of attractive financing to civil aviation authorities, government skewed to the numbers – of having more
purchase executive jets. With the policymakers, aviation conference flights and more passengers travelling
demand for charter, operators could organisers and the private sector need to through airports.
easily add more aircraft to their fleets but examine ways to grow business aviation still, the regional jet’s phenomenal
the biggest stumbling block is obtaining in a coordinated way and to create a more success story in commercial aviation is a
financing for aircraft purchases using the business aviation-friendly environment. lesson for the rest of the world. imagine
aircraft itself as collateral. Many asian the great strides that can be made in
financial institutions do not understand Local activity business aviation in the not too distant
business aviation and how to finance some tentative first steps are being future. although business aviation will
purchase of executive jets. They lack taken. developments like the three always be a niche business, as income
the know-how in determining aircraft parks dedicated to business and levels rise, business grows and more
valuations and depreciation issues, and general aviation - (seletar aerospace of the geography in asia opens up, the
how to collateralise business jets in a Park in singapore, skyPark at subang distances are becoming an issue for
way which would allow them to offer in Malaysia, and senai aviation Park in businessmen. The growing realisation
attractive and creative financing options. Johor, Malaysia) are all major steps in is that these vast distances can best
often, banks only want to finance brand the right direction. however, many assert be crossed by private jet; commercial
new high-priced aircraft which makes no that the will to place business aviation aviation can only go so far to meeting
sense for pure charter operators. on a higher priority by government and these needs. all indications are that asia
but overall the signs are encouraging, aviation officials is still lacking. This is poised to grow phenomenally as the
and this bodes well for business aviation is due to the overemphasis, even an focus of the world shifts from the west
in the region. What is really needed now is obsession, with commercial aviation and to the east.

EJA’s fleet currently comprises a Cessna Citation 500,
Hawker 700, Gulfstream Westwind 1 and Westwind 2 and
King Air 350. The two Westwinds are permanently configured
for medical evacuation, and fly for a specialist subsidiary
business, Flying Doctors Asia. One more long-range aircraft
will be added later this year.
www.executivejetsasia.com; www.flyingdoctorsasia.com

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