News
BizAv jet demand in Europe soars: Hawker Beechcraft
Nov. 28, 2012, Wichita, Kan. - Demand for executive jets in central Europe surged by 291 per cent between 2007 and 2011, compared with 2002-2006, according to research by aircraft manufacturer Hawker Beechcraft.
November 28, 2012 By Carey Fredericks
The growth in global demand for executive jets grew by only 31 per cent over the same period.
The overall fleet size of central Europe was 184, while 23 deliveries were made during 2002-06, 90 were completed in 2007-11, 49 per cent of all business jets based in the region have been delivered in the last five years.
Slovenia and the Slovak Republic led the growth in central Europe with 700 per cent each, while Bulgaria came next with 350 per cent; the Czech Republic and Poland followed with 229 per cent and 160 per cent respectively.
Of the countries covered in the research – Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Romania, Slovak Republic, Slovenia – only Hungary showed a fall in demand by 50 per cent, with just one delivery made in the country between 2007 and 2011.
The research, which drew figures from the JetNet data for business jets and turboprops for November 2012, coincides with the CEPA (Central European Private Aviation) Expo being held in Prague until 30 November. The event will discuss ways of accelerating the processes involved in running a business in the aviation sector.
Hawker currently occupies 20 per cent of the corporate jet segment in central Europe.
Hawker Beechcraft EMEA jet sales vice president Scott Plumb said: "The business aviation market here has grown rapidly over the last five years, albeit from a low base, and we maintain our positive outlook on what we view as an important region in Europe, where up-coming economies will continue to present attractive opportunities for business aviation."
Meanwhile the aircraft manufacturer, which filed for chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in early May this year, outlined plans in October to exit from the bankruptcy, with lenders taking control of the firm and enabling it to emerge as an independent company.
Hawker manufacturers business, special mission, light attack and trainer aircraft; it is also involved in designing, marketing and supporting aviation products and services worldwide.
