According to Dassault Aviation, the business jet market in Asia has become increasingly diverse, with no single country, including China, dominating the sector. This shift is attributed to a rising number of clients throughout the region who are choosing private aircraft to facilitate their operations. Carlos Brana, the executive vice-president for civil aircraft at Dassault Aviation, highlighted the growing demand for private jets in the Asia-Pacific region as many businesses expand their operations internationally.
Traditionally, the growth of business jet aviation correlates with a country’s GDP. However, in regions where private jets are scarce, the growth rate in this market can sometimes surpass the GDP growth rate, as noted by Mr. Brana.
In the past, the private jet market in Asia was primarily driven by Chinese consumers during the country’s economic boom. However, companies in other markets are increasingly recognizing the necessity of private air transportation as their businesses expand globally.
Mr. Brana mentioned that Dassault’s target customers include not just Asian corporations with international operations, such as businesses with overseas subsidiaries, but also governmental entities.
Currently, there are approximately 100 Falcon aircraft in the Asia-Pacific region, with China being the largest market, hosting 22 of these aircraft. In Southeast Asia, Malaysia leads with eight Falcon aircraft, while Thailand has four. According to the “Asian Sky 2023” fleet report, the number of business jets in Thailand has risen for the third consecutive year, reaching 40 aircraft, up from 30.
The overall trend indicates a shift toward longer-range jets. Although orders for Falcon jets in Asia have been somewhat tepid, demand for private jets remains, although some potential buyers may be postponing their purchasing decisions.
In 2024, Dassault plans to produce at least 35 Falcon jets, having delivered 32 in 2022 and 26 in 2023. While the pandemic impacted the supply chain across the aviation industry, Dassault reports that conditions are improving. Due to its smaller production capacity compared to larger commercial aircraft manufacturers, the company is less affected by supply chain disruptions.
Recent trends show robust bookings in premium classes like business and first class among airlines; however, this does not negatively impact the growth of the business jet market, which serves different customer segments. Private jets, being smaller aircraft, allow business travelers to reach airports closer to their destinations, thereby saving time and providing greater flexibility during trips.
With the Thai government aiming to establish the country as an aviation hub by 2030, Mr. Brana emphasized the need for authorities to ensure that private jet operators have adequate slots and to enhance aviation infrastructure. This could present an opportunity for a fixed-base operator and a dedicated maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) facility for private jets in Thailand, especially if demand continues to rise. Dassault currently operates an MRO in Kuala Lumpur, which can serve all clients within Asia.
Among Dassault’s latest long-range aircraft are the Falcon 6X, which can fly a distance of 10,186 kilometers, and the Falcon 10X, with a range of 13,890 kilometers. Deliveries for the Falcon 10X will start in 2027, while the Falcon 6X began deliveries last year. Both models are capable of direct flights from Thailand to European destinations.
