General Aviation Market Intelligence

China GA Aircraft Market – Business Jets – China GA Report 2021

China GA Aircraft Market – Business Jets – China GA Report 2021

At the end of June 2021, there were 360 business jets operating in mainland China, totaling a 12% market share of the entire general aviation fleet. Although business jets do not account for a high market share, their higher purchasing and operation costs, as well as being a symbol of luxury makes them stand out. Regarding enterprises that purchase business jets and clients that utilize them for transportation, business jets are viewed as time-saving, highly efficient, and highly private. Moreover, as a high-end transportation tool, a business jet can showcase the client’s prestige. With regards to flight range and cabin space, business jets can be categorized as commercial airliners, long-range, large, medium, light, and super light jets.

Long-range business jets accounted for 42% of the market share and ranked the highest in the business jet market. Without a doubt, it is aimed at long-range distance travel across continents, usually over 5,000 miles. At the same time, long-range jets usually have more cabin space and can carry more fuel. The most popular long-range models include the Gulfstream G550, G650 and G650ER, the Bombardier Global 6000, 7500, and Global Express, as well as the Dassault Falcon 7X and 8X. In addition to models that have already entered the market, OEMs are also dedicated to developing new models that will fly further and better satisfy customer’s needs. For example, compared to the Dassault Falcon 8X that has a maximum range of 6,450 miles, the Falcon 10X with a maximum range of 7,500 miles can travel to even further.

Large business jets ranked second, making up 28% of the market. Although large business jets and long-range jets both have large cabins, the flight range of a large jet is less than a long-range jet. Large jets are usually used for continent-wide or nationwide travel. The most popular large jet models are the Bombardier Challenger 600 and 800 series, the Dassault Falcon 2000, as well as the Embraer Legacy 600 and 650.

Light jets ranked third, accounting for 9% of the business jet market. Due to the smaller size and short length required for take-off, a light jet can land and take off from smaller airports. Therefore, it provides more flexibility and freedom for clients. Compared to the popularity of light jets in Europe and American markets, it has a smaller group of customers in mainland China. The frequency of traveling on a light jet is much lower than a long-range or large jet. Commercial airliners, medium, and superlight jets each accounted for 8%, 8%, and 5% of the market share, respectively.

Amongst various OEMs, Gulfstream without a doubt ranked highest with a market share of 37%. The Gulfstream G550 and G450 ranked first and second as the most popular business jet models, each with 45 and 31 jets operating in mainland China. Bombardier accounted for 28% of the market share and ranked second after Gulfstream. The Bombardier Challenger 800/850 series was the third most popular business jet model. Textron came next with a market share of 14%. Textron has a variety of models and most of them are medium to super light business jets. The Cessna Citation 560XL series was ranked the seventh most popular business jet. Dassault ranked fourth with a market share of 9% and its Falcon 7X was also the fourth most popular business jet model.

In addition, B- registered business jets accounted for almost threequarters of the market share. American N registered business jets have a market share of 13%. As for the offshore registry, Cayman Islands acquired the highest market share – by 7%. For those operators that chose the USA or offshore registry, they prefer the higher flexibility, and easier procedures.

The services that business jet operators provide include charter and aircraft management services. As one of the biggest business jet operators, Sino Jet ranked the highest by operating 45 business jets in mainland China. For daily business, Sino Jet provides its clients the most luxurious services with a combination of “internal + external” operation patterns. BAA was 2021’s dark horse with 41 business jets in its fleet. Compared to the previous year, it saw the biggest increase of 13 business jets amongst the most popular operators. Well-known operators Deer Jet and Hongkong Jet are both owned by HNA Group, and operate 39 and 10 business jets, respectively.

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