ExecuJet Aviation and Hawker Pacific have begun operating the new Skypark FBO at Kuala Lumpur’s Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport. Malaysian deputy Prime Minister Dato’ Sri Mohd Najib bin Tun Haji Abdul Razak officially inaugurated the new facility on August 7.

The development is part of the wider $91 billion Skypark Subang project to transform the former Subang International Airport into a business aviation gateway. Subang was Kuala Lumpur’s main airport until the opening of the new Kuala Lumpur International Airport in 1998. The new FBO is located in the former Terminal 3 building.

The new facility is to be operated by ExecuJet and Hawker Pacific through a joint venture called Skypark FBO Malaysia. The partners will provide ground handling services. Eventually, they will each establish separate maintenance, repair and overhaul operations at the site.

Further construction work at Subang, due for completion in 2010, will see the addition of hangars for parking. Local company Subang Skypark is developing the site under a 59-year lease from the Malaysian government.

According to Subang Skypark executive director Datuk Ravindran Menon, Malaysia is receiving growing volumes of business jet traffic from throughout the Asia-Pacific region, as well as from Europe and the Middle East. Europe-based executive charter firm VistaJet is establishing a new Asian operation at the airport, basing a Bombardier Challenger 605 and 604 there. (See 'Swiss company acquires Skyjet'.)

The FBO’s 9,000-sq-ft SkyLounge combines traditional songket tapestry, local stoneware and tropical plants with modern amenities. It features meeting rooms, a 30-seat lounge with food and beverage facilities for passengers, a private lounge, separate crew rest and flight-planning rooms, a cigar lounge, a bar, kitchenette, gym and mosque.

The Switzerland-based ExecuJet business aviation services group has been expanding its operations eastward, establishing new offices in Moscow, Mumbai and Beijing. It already has aircraft charter and management operations in Europe, the Middle East, South Africa and Australia. The company is a leading international sales representative for Bombardier’s business aircraft line, as well as for the new Grob SPn and the proposed Aerion supersonic business jet.

Australia-based Hawker Pacific is active in aircraft sales and support. The company represents Hawker Beechcraft and Bell Helicopter and provides product support for not only their business aircraft but also for those of Dassault Falcon Jet and Embraer.