Airbus says Asia-based firms step up bizjet use

A new study commissioned by Airbus Corporate Jets (ACJ) reveals that corporate aviation is playing an increasingly strategic role for Asia-based businesses.  The report finds that the majority of organisations in Asia that already use business aviation are using it more to support their operational efficiency, which includes providing access to a broader group of employees.  Many also use their business aircraft to support humanitarian causes. The research was conducted among senior professionals based in China, Hong Kong and Singapore, comprising 34 senior executives at some of the largest corporations in Asia and 33 Asia-based family offices, hedge funds and private equity firms with a combined AUM of US$141 billion. The research reveals that 63% of their overall business air travel is now conducted via business aviation for the senior executives surveyed at Asian corporations. The corresponding figures for the private equity and hedge fund managers, and family offices surveyed are 69% and 69% respectively. The findings indicate that business aviation is delivering substantial time savings made on journeys compared with using commercial airlines.  Almost all (94%) Asian organizations surveyed estimate that they save between two and three hours when using a business aircraft rather than a commercial flight; and a further 5% say they save three hours or more.  More than seven in ten (72%) also state that 25% or more of the business routes they make using corporate aircraft are not served by commercial flights. “This research confirms what we’re seeing on the ground – that for many Asian organisations, business aviation isn’t just faster, it’s smarter.  It allows professionals to recover valuable hours, work securely and make better use of their time in transit,” says Chadi Saade, president of Airbus Corporate Jets. Looking ahead, over half (54%) of Asian organisations expect their use of business jets to increase by 50% – 75% over the next two years, while a further 9% anticipate their usage will rise between 75% – 100%. Use of private aircraft correlates to Asian organisations’ growing international physical presence, with all (100%) private equity and hedge funds surveyed saying they expect their number of global offices to increase over the next three years. This international expansion is also being seen with Asian family offices, with all (100%) respondents saying they expect to see an increase in family members residing in different countries. In addition to shorter travel times, all Asian executives surveyed highlight significantly improved productivity – nearly nine in 10 (87%) respondents rate their productivity as 25% – 50% higher on business jets compared to commercial flights, while a further 8% say their productivity is 50% – 75% higher.  The top ranked benefit of business jet travel was highlighted as having greater flexibility to work on confidential matters, followed by greater control over their schedule. Saade added, “Business aviation is no longer reserved exclusively for top-tier executives or emergency travel.  Forward-thinking organisations are increasingly acknowledging its value across their business, particularly for employees whose roles demand on-site presence to manage international affairs.” Business aviation’s usage expands outside of the organization, with nearly all (99%) Asian respondents saying that their company uses its business aircraft to support humanitarian or charitable causes – which could include emergency medical transport, organ transfers and crisis relief. For Editorial Inquiries Contact: Editor Matt Driskill at [email protected] For Advertising Inquiries Contact: Head of Sales Kay Rolland at [email protected]