Australian aircraft sales and services company Hawker Pacific is in "detailed discussions" with a potential partner on opening a second fixed-base operation in China, and preliminary discussions are under way on a potential third location.
The talks follow Hawker Pacific's successful entry into the Chinese FBO market with Shanghai Airport Authority.
Chief executive Alan Smith declines to reveal the location of potential FBOs, but says a base and product support network is feasible within China in two to three years, with "substantial opportunities" in the country.
The Shanghai FBO, which was opened in 2010, has met its business plan expectations from day one, says Smith, with 4,000-plus movements targeted this year and achieving year-on-year growth of 12%. "The joint venture has been a wonderful showcase for Hawker Pacific in the Chinese market," says Smith.
China is the focus for Hawker Pacific's FBO plans in the near-term, although India is "not off our agenda", says Smith.
The Australian company already has links with Indian group Mahindra, with Hawker Pacific recently appointed a dealer for the GA8 Airvan turboprop which is manufactured by Mahindra Aerospace company GippsAero.
Source: Flight International
