29-Sep-2011 Source: Corporate Jet Investor
Paul Jebely, head of aviation finance Asia and Africa at Clyde & Co, was the chairman on day two of Corporate Jet & Helicopter Finance Asia 2011. He closed the conference saying:
“I now have the privilege of closing the first ever Corporate Jet & Helicopter Finance Asia conference.
What happened here was important. A gathering of like-minded industry professionals, with numerous presentations and the imparting of knowledge by speakers from across Asia and the world – OEMs, banks, operators, brokers, owners, commentators, service providers and, yes, even lawyers – and the presence of over 130 delegates.
It was important.
As we sit here in the capital city of China, the hottest and most exciting business aviation market in the world (which, despite its immense growth, is still in its infancy in relative terms), we participate and partake in its continued development and growth. We have heard of the growth and potential of the Chinese and wider Asia markets in detail, and we have heard about and discussed what is holding these markets back.
Within the context of finance, we have considered economic and commercial issues; we have heard about legal issues, operational and maintenance issues; and we have properly looked at business jets and helicopters as distinct assets.
We have rightly distinguished our industry sector from commercial aviation finance in many ways, because the former is unique and specialized in ways that differ to the latter. For example, in the airline industry, it is said that everyone makes money, except for airlines. In the business aviation industry, everyone makes money – that is, when times are good.
Times in the China and Asia wide markets are generally (and thankfully) good but, rather than be complacent, we should look to work together in our various capacities as market participants to make them better. This conference was part and parcel of this important endeavour.
Thank you to the organizers, the sponsors, the speakers, and each delegate for your contribution.
See you next year.”
