New research from Gama Aviation, the global aviation services company, reveals that some 714 business aircraft were delivered to Asia Pacific between 2010 and 2014, an increase of 42.3% on the period 2005 - 2009 (when 501 business aircraft were delivered).

In contrast to this, the number of aircraft delivered globally contracted by 21.7% between these two time periods. The Asia Pacific region share of global deliveries increased from 6.73% for the period 2005 to 2009, to 12.24% for 2010 to 2014.

Gama Aviation expects to see this huge growth in the Asian business aviation market continue, and in January this year it announced it had established a business aviation joint venture with Hutchison Whampoa (China) Limited (“HWCL”).

Initial operations will begin in Q2 2015, with two aircraft based in Hong Kong increasing the Gama Aviation managed global fleet to 146 aircraft. Leveraging off Gama Aviation’s existing infrastructure in the region, the joint venture is focused on providing management, charter, maintenance and repair and fixed base operations in the Peoples Republic of China, Hong Kong and the wider Asia region.

China is widely regarded as one of the fastest growing markets for business jet services yet today there are only forty-five operators operating within Greater China. The new company, Gama Aviation Hutchison Holdings Limited (“Gama Hutchison”), which is incorporated in Hong Kong, will be jointly owned by Gama Aviation and HWCL (50% each). Regional subsidiaries will be established under the management of Gama Hutchison to operate the full range of business aviation and ground services.

Deliveries of business aircraft to Asia Pacific

Gama Aviation’s research reveals that between these two time periods, China saw an incredible 460% increase in deliveries. The Philippines saw a rise of 84.6%, and this was followed by Hong Kong and Indonesia which saw rises of 80.6% and 74.3% respectively.

Marwan Khalek CEO of Gama Aviation Plc commented: “The business aviation market in the Asia Pacific region is enjoying strong growth, and it is being led by China. It now has the second biggest fleet size in the region behind Australia, but it is predicted to be the third largest market in the world by 2022.”

“In December last year, we announced a merger - technically a reverse takeover - with Hangar 8 Plc, creating a company with an estimated market capitalization of £130 million. This meant that we became an even bigger global player able to offer our clients a wider range of services and greater economies of scale. This coupled with our recent alliance with Hutchison Whampoa (China) limited, means we are looking to really grow our business in Asia, and capitalise on the huge and exciting opportunities here.”