Jet Asia has established a base in Thailand and plans to acquire a VIP-configured Boeing 727 in an effort to expand its portfolio of business jet products and fill the niche for corporate jet charters.
Jet Asia has moved its Bombardier Challenger to Bangkok and is operating within Thailand, initially using the air operator's certificate of local partner Sky Eyes. The deal makes Jet Asia the only business jet operator in Thailand to offer corporate aircraft charters, demand for which is driven by local companies and multinationals with bases throughout South-East Asia, says Chuck Woods, chief executive of the Macau-based operator.
Woods hopes the base will give Jet Asia a competitive edge in the area. Rival corporate charter operators have to ferry aircraft from Singapore or Hong Kong for charters from or within Thailand. Local charter companies such as Siam Land Flying and Thai Flying Service only operate turboprops, while Sky Eyes caters mostly to the tourist charter market.
Woods has not yet decided where to base the 727, but says there is demand throughout Asia for a large VIP aircraft.
Source: Flight International
