Everybody knows that China is a fast-growing economy of staggering size. However, business aviation in that part of the world has remained relatively inconspicuous–until now.

Deer Jet, present here at EBACE at Booth No. 1156, is the pioneering force behind executive aviation in China. The company was set up in Beijing in 1995 as a subsidiary of Hainan Airlines, and today operates a charter fleet of seven executive jets, with a Beechcraft Premier I and a Gulfstream G200 as the latest additions. The fleet also includes a Hawker 800XP, a Gulfstream IV and a Boeing 737. In addition to operating aircraft, Deer Jet is active in consultation, purchase and sale, aircraft management and financing, ground handling, route planning and assistance with overflight and landing permits.

Deer Jet claims a market share of 70 percent in China, and strives to develop its international business as it offers its services to both Chinese executives and visiting foreigners. Deer Jet is the first Chinese member of NBAA and joined EBAA in February 2006. The charter operator serves more than 125 domestic Chinese airports, including some military airfields, and has flown to 136 airports outside of China. It clocked 4,000 flight hours last year and carried 2,600 passengers.
According to chairman Liu ZhiQiang, Deer Jet’s presence at EBACE for the first time is part of the company’s efforts to develop its international business.