The 2008 Singapore Airshow was staged at an impressive new purpose-built site from February 19 to 24, and business aviation had a strong presence both on the static display and on the Singapore news agenda. Some 35,000 trade visitors were expected to stream through the gates to visit more than 800 exhibitors located in an impressive 430,000-sq-ft hall. Crowds benefited from fantastic views from waterfront chalets overlooking the static display on one side and the flight line on the other.
New business jet operator BJets launched its charter, fractional and aircraft management services at Singapore, with a $600 million order for 20 Cessna Citation CJ2+s and 20 Hawker 850XPs and 900XPs, to be delivered over the next five years. Another 10 Hawkers are on option. BJets will operate in India and Southeast Asia.
The new company plans to start operations in the second quarter. It will be based in Singapore and Mumbai, with its operational headquarters in Hyderabad, India.
According to CEO Mark Baier–a former NetJets executive in Europe–60 to 70 percent of the fleet will be based in India. The remainder will be in Southeast Asia, including a small hub in Singapore.
