Private jet use takes off in Hong KongA growing number of businessmen are opting for the service which allows them easier check-ins and faster clearance through immigration, writes Chris Davis South China Morning Post -12 February 2006Flying by private jet for Hong Kong businessmen is beginning to take off after a slow build-up. While many of Hong Kong's famously budget-minded wealthy residents remain content to fly economy class, a growing number of the local jet set who have long been jetless are relishing the freedom of either chartering or buying their own private aircraft. Last year the Business Aviation Centre (BAC) at Chek Lap Kok handled nearly 3,000 departures and arrivals, compared with 340 flights handled in 1998 when the centre opened. Madonna Fung, general manager of the BAC, which caters for private jet travel in and out of Hong Kong, said: "We expect business to continue growing as more executives use private aviation as a time-saving tool and authorities around the region streamline the landing and departure procedures." Owning or chartering the hottest travel accessory, the PJ or private jet, is the ultimate status symbol, with a price tag of more than US$30 million to buy a top-of-the-range Gulfstream G450 and upwards of US$3,000 per hour to charter an aircraft. Private aviation is out of reach of most; however, the PJ does offer significant advantages - no checking in and it normally takes only a few minutes to clear customs and immigration. Passengers can also arrive for departure just a few minutes before the aircraft is due to take off. According to Ms Fung, contract-clinching business deals, which can be difficult to co-ordinate when relying on rigid commercial airline schedules, privacy and security are the chief reasons why executives are switching to private air travel. During last year's World Trade Organisation meeting many of the politicians and business leaders attending the function made use of the BAC facility. Ms Fung said those in Hong Kong switching to private aviation tend to be mainly business executives and a few show business celebrities. The BAC has its own terminal and facilities separate from the public terminal where aircraft pull up just a few metres from the main door. The centre offers a full range of services for executive aircraft and passengers, including passenger lounge, private rooms and showers, business-centre facilities, ground handling, baggage handling, fuelling, security, customs and flight planning. Designated spaces and hangers are also provided for private aircraft. The BAC has its own immigration facilities and a detention room to question and detain anyone who violates Hong Kong's customs or immigration laws. To date the only time the door has been opened is for cleaning purposes. The biggest headache that charter companies face is in getting aviation authorities to relax flight restrictions, says Michael Csapo, the Hong Kong-based operations director for Switzerland's Jet Aviation, one of the world's biggest luxury-charter companies. It can still take weeks to get approval to land in many Asian airports. Singapore and Hong Kong are the exceptions where arrangements can be made in a matter of hours, but this is still too slow. "Compared to the four hours in turnaround time in the US, Australia and Europe, this is a serious drawback that is hampering the development of Hong Kong and the region's private aviation industry," Mr Csapo said. While business confidence is one important factor, there is the stigma of corporate excess and the high cost. He said benefits of using private jets become even more obvious when taking into account complaints common among airline passengers. These include cramped seats, mishandled luggage, long lines through security, immigration and check-in, delays and cancellations, and missed connections. (c) 2006 South China Morning Post Publishers Limited, Hong Kong. All rights reserved |
