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On the Record with
Mike Fahey, Regional VP Sales, Middle East,
Africa And Asia, Bombardier Business Aircraft
"A banner year" is how Bombardier Business Aircraft sums
up its success in Asia in 2001, despite a mixed bag of economies
ranging from recession in Indonesia to boom in China.
"It was pretty outstanding when you consider where the economies
are and the overall lethargic situation, especially in some of the
traditional aviation markets like Indonesia and Malaysia,"
said Mike Fahey, regional sales VP for Bombardier Business Aircraft.
"I think we did better than competition, and we're quite happy
with what we did."
Sales successes included:
- Delivery of the first Global Express into Hong Kong, on the
Hong Kong registry. This aircraft can be seen here at the static
park.
- The sale and delivery of the first Learjet 45 to Cathay Pacific
for pilot training, plus an option on a second aircraft.
- Firming of two options on Learjet 45s from Singapore Airlines,
bringing its fleet to six aircraft.
- Delivery of a second Learjet 45 to Subic International of Manila
for use in the Flexjet Asia program.
- Orders for three Challenger 604s from the Royal Australian Air
Force.
- An order from Shandong Airlines for four Challenger 604s for
delivery beginning next month.
- Delivery of a Learjet 45 for Singapore Technologies. This aircraft
is on show here at Asian Aerospace.
- Sale of two Bombardier Corporate Jetliners to China Ocean Aviation
Group, one configured with an executive interior and the other
as a 30-passenger shuttle.
- The emergence from completion of the first Global Express for
Japan's JCAB. The aircraft is now being fitted with its airways
inspection systems.
"Trends? No, it's all over the farm," said Fahey. "We've
got a lot of activity in Asia right now with private individuals,
but it is nowhere near the level at the time of the last Asian
Aerospace show. There is some serious potential, but it will be
erratic for a while."
Fahey noted activity is currently moving north into China, where
Bombardier has traditionally had a strong presence. The government's
China United Airlines operates five Bombardier Corporate Jetliners
in a corporate/shuttle role, and five Learjet 35A/36A business
jets configured for geological survey. Shandong Rainbow Jet's
order for four Challenger 604s will bring Bombardier's Chinese
fleet to 16 aircraft.
"We are in serious discussions with other potential operators
in China," said Fahey. So seriously does the company view
potential there that Bombardier has three sales people dedicated
to China-one each in its offices in Beijing, Hong Kong and Montreal.
"We've a lot of initiatives going there. We're trying to
get our arms around this huge market," he added.
Australia is also an active market for Bombardier, which has sold
two Global Expresses there and is working hard to clinch a third.
"And the Learjets remain popular there, too," said Fahey.
By John Morris |
