Private jet use takes off in Hong Kong

Flying by private jet for Hong Kong businessmen is beginning to take off after a slow build-up.

While many of Hong Kong's famously budget-minded wealthy residents remain content to fly economy class, a growing number of the local jet set who have long been jetless are relishing the freedom of either chartering or buying their own private aircraft.

Last year the Business Aviation Centre (BAC) at Chek Lap Kok handled nearly 3,000 departures and arrivals, compared with 340 flights handled in 1998 when the centre opened.

Madonna Fung, general manager of the BAC, which caters for private jet travel in and out of Hong Kong, said: 'We expect business to continue growing as more executives use private aviation as a time-saving tool and authorities around the region streamline the landing and departure procedures.'

Owning or chartering the hottest travel accessory, the PJ or private jet, is the ultimate status symbol, with a price tag of more than US$30 million to buy a top-of-the-range Gulfstream G450 and upwards of US$3,000 per hour to charter an aircraft. Private aviation is out of reach of most; however, the PJ does offer significant advantages - no checking in and it normally takes only a few minutes to clear customs and immigration. Passengers can also arrive for departure just a few minutes before the aircraft is due to take off.

'It is a case of the plane is waiting for you, instead of you waiting for the plane,'' said Ms Fung. 'A private jet, even one chartered for a single trip, waits on the tarmac at the user's convenience.'