NetJets China Expects To Start Operations this Summer

NetJets’ Chinese joint venture, NetJets Business Aviation Ltd, obtained its operating permit from the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) yesterday. This moves NetJets China closer to the final step in its certification–approval of its operating certificate, which would allow it to begin providing private jet services for customers in China.

“We are pleased with the continuing progress we are making in obtaining approval to operate in China,” said NetJets China vice chairman Eric Wong. “The granting of this permit positions NetJets China for final approval, which we hope to receive in the next few months.” A NetJets spokeswoman said the company expects to receive its Chinese operating certificate by September and begin operations immediately thereafter.

While working through the certification process, NetJets China has continued preparing for the start of flight operations. It has hired core staff, established internal structures and processes for flight operations and begun forming relationships with vendors. Additionally, NetJets China has purchased and imported two Hawker 800s into the country to offer charter services as soon as the government grants its approval. Fractional aircraft and card services might be added later as the market for private aviation services in China continues to develop, the company said.