Chinese VIP charter operator Deer Jet is expected to take delivery of a long-delayed Raytheon Premier I in the first quarter. Industry sources say a Chinese company is also planning to take delivery of another business jet in the first quarter and several other corporate deals are in the pipeline. All these jets would be managed by an airline because regulations prohibit companies from operating their own aircraft. There is only one business jet in private operation in China.
Market conditions are also improving elsewhere in Asia. Sales executives say 2004 has been their best year since 1997 and 2005 promises to be better. Taiwan's Sunrise Airlines is preparing to order a business jet for a new charter operation and customers in Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore are shopping for aircraft.
Source: Flight International
