Gulfstream and Bombardier top list of China’s most popular private jets for charter

Mature private jet markets like Europe and North America remain slow – but China’s demand for business aviation is currently soaring.

While all of the major manufacturers are targeting sales in China, Gulfstream and Bombardier have the largest share of the current private jet fleet.

Fiona Zhi, Chapman Freeborn China’s VIP charter sales manager, says there is a significant and ongoing rise in private jet charter demand in China – in particular for large-cabin, long range aircraft.

Here she reveals her clients’ top five private jet types for charter

1. Gulfstream G550 – The large-cabin, ultra-long-range Gulfstream G550 private jet is a world-class aircraft and has proved very popular in the Chinese market. It boasts a spacious cabin, allowing up to 14 passengers to work productively or relax in comfort. The G550 was the most popular jet in China last year with 22 aircraft sold and it is a top choice for Chinese clients with international business interests.
2. Bombardier Global 6000 – More commonly known as the Global Express XRS in China, this ultra-long range jet is also a popular choice in the Asian market. Accommodating up to 15 passengers, the Global 6000 offers spaciousness, privacy and comfort. Capable of flying for over 12 hours, the jet can link Shanghai to San Francisco non-stop.
3. Bombardier Challenger 300 – A favourite since 2004, the Challenger 300 private jet is a leader in the super-midsize class. It offers impressive range and endurance combined with a spacious cabin. The Challenger 300 can fly from Shenzhen to Singapore non-stop with a full payload.
4. Bombardier Challenger 850 – The versatile Challenger 850 is the largest of Bombardier’s super-midsize jets and offers outstanding dependability. The Challenger 850 private jet was first delivered to customers in mainland China in 2010 and it’s proved to be in high demand ever since. It offers trans-continental flying with a non-stop range of 2,811 nautical miles (5,206 km).
5. Gulfstream G200 – Launched as the first super-midsize jet in 1999, the G200 has proved highly popular with Chinese flyers in the last decade. Accommodating 8-10 passengers, the G200 offers a spacious cabin and is ideal for flights to destinations like Japan and Singapore. Gulfstream ceased production of the G200 in 2011 but is now heavily marketing its new G280 jet in China.

As we blogged recently from ABACE 2013, while Gulfstream and Bombardier currently lead the way, rival private jet manufacturers are now keen to win a greater share of the Chinese market.

Embraer has been extensively promoting its latest models including the Legacy 650 and Legacy 500 jets. The Brazilian manufacturer begun assembly of the first Legacy 650 to be completed at its Chinese facility in Harbin and is set to deliver the aircraft later this year.

Cessna also announced that it is making progress toward beginning operations in China through joint ventures to be formed with China Aviation Industry General Aircraft Company (CAIGA) in Shijiazhuang and Zhuhai.

Chapman Freeborn has had an established sales and marketing operation in Beijing since 2004 and with the opening of a second office in Shanghai the group recently further strengthened its presence in China.

By Jackie Zhang

Photo above: Courtesy of Bombardier. The Challenger 850 is one of China’s favourite private jets for charter requirements.

Below: A selection of private jets on show at ABACE 2013 in Shanghai.

To find out more about private jet charter services in China, please contact Chapman Freeborn on +86 10 8526 1728 or email china@chapman-freeborn.com