Try GOLD - Free
The Dragon On A Shopping Spree
SP’s Aviation
|April 2018
Practical airplane purchases, hand-me-down jets and more, our Asian neighbour is setting new business aviation trends
WHILE MAJOR GLOBAL AVIATION OPERATORS ARE STILL reeling from the flat fest that was the recently concluded Wings India 2018, the upcoming ABACE Shanghai 2018 may just get everyone’s spirits soaring to the skies. From military power to business aviation or even the largest population, India and China have long had a friendly (sometimes unfriendly too) competition of sorts in a quest to be the best or the first in all. And, the Asian Business Aviation Conference & Exhibition (ABACE) is no different. Recovering from almost a decade long slump in business aviation after a meteoric rise, the Eastern neighbour seem to be all set to make up for lost time.
CHINA IS ON A SHOPPING SPREE
President Xi Jinping’s anti-corruption campaign in 2014 has been attributed by many for the slump in Chinese Bizav. However, the Asia-Pacific region, especially China, still remains one of the busiest markets for many business jet operators. According to a 2015 report by business aviation consultants Asian Sky Group (ASG), mainland China remains the largest single market in the Asia-Pacific region with 313 business jets with a net increase of 13 business jets in the fleet in 2016.
This story is from the April 2018 edition of SP’s Aviation.
Subscribe to Magzter GOLD to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 10,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
MORE STORIES FROM SP’s Aviation
SP’s Aviation
ROLLS-ROYCE OPENS ITS LARGEST GLOBAL CAPABILITY CENTRE IN BENGALURU
Rolls-Royce has inaugurated its largest Global Capability and Innovation Centre (GCC) at Manyata Embassy Business Park in Bengaluru, further strengthening its long-term presence in India.
1 min
Issue 9, 2025
SP’s Aviation
MOD SIGNS CONTRACT FOR PROCUREMENT OF 97 LCA MKIA AIRCRAFT
Ministry of Defence (MoD) signed a contract with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for procurement of 97 Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mk1A, including 68 fighters and 29 twin seaters, along with associated equipment, for Indian Air Force, at a cost of over 62,370 crore (excluding taxes), on September 25, 2025.
1 min
Issue 9, 2025
SP’s Aviation
PILATUS HANDS OVER THE FIRST PC-12 PRO
Following on from the launch of the new model in spring 2025, the very first customer, Dion Weisler, recently took delivery of his brand-new aircraft and personally flew it home from Switzerland to Australia.
1 min
Issue 9, 2025
SP’s Aviation
“IAF - A SELF-ASSURED, CAPABLE AND GLOBALLY COMPETITIVE AEROSPACE POWER
On the occasion of the 93rd Indian Air Force Day, Air Chief Marshal A. P. Singh, Chief of the Air Staff, engaged in an in-depth conversation with Jayant Baranwal, Editor-in-Chief of SP's Aviation, and shared his insights on specific issues concerning the Indian Air Force
8 mins
Issue 9, 2025
SP’s Aviation
SWEDEN ORDERS FOUR EMBRAER C-390 MILLENNIUM
Sweden acquired four C-390 Millennium multi-mission aircraft from Embraer.
1 min
Issue 9, 2025
SP’s Aviation
FROM BRAZIL TO BHARAT: EMBRAER'S COMMITMENT TO INDIA'S AIR POWER
Currently, nearly 50 Embraer aircraft — spanning 11 different types — operate in India across defense, commercial, and business aviation sectors. All are supported by Embraer's established service and support network in the country
3 mins
Issue 9, 2025
SP’s Aviation
CHARIOTS OF THE BATTLEFIELD – COMBAT HELICOPTERS
As warfare enters the era of multi-domain operations, combat helicopters are evolving with artificial intelligence, stealth, and manned-unmanned teaming, ensuring they remain relevant and strategically decisive in the battles of the future
7 mins
Issue 9, 2025
SP’s Aviation
INDIAN AIR FORCE – POST OPERATION SINDOOR
Operation Sindoor highlighted the evolving nature of modern warfare, underlining the need for doctrinal shifts and operational reforms. The focus now lies on integrating new technologies, strengthening joint capabilities, and adapting strategies to ensure readiness for future multi-domain challenges.
6 mins
Issue 9, 2025
SP’s Aviation
IAF - TARGET '42 SQUADRONS'
While the IAF's roadmap through Tejas Mk-1A / Mk-2, MRFA, and AMCA is conceptually sound, blending indigenous development with foreign procurement to manage risk and speed, the implementation may drag beyond the timeline. What is to be done?
5 mins
Issue 9, 2025
SP’s Aviation
THE IAF'S MIG-21: FAREWELL TO A LEGEND
For over three decades, from the 1970s to the 2000s, the MiG-21 was the backbone of the IAF, even as more advanced jets like the Mirage 2000, the MiG-29 and the Su-30 MKI were acquired
5 mins
Issue 9, 2025
Translate
Change font size