Hongkong Jet has selected Guernsey as the base for its recently-formed aircraft management subsidiary Business Aircraft Services (BAS) Guernsey, which has received an Air Operator's Certificate from the island's civil aviation registry. The first aircraft to be registered on the BAS certificate is a Boeing BBJ787-8 Dreamliner.

The company is part of China's Deer Jet group and is experienced in BBJ charter, as well as having its own FAA-approved maintenance facility in Hong Kong.

While the authority for issuing the AOC rests with Guernsey's civil aviation director, the certification and audit work itself is performed by 2-Reg, the island's registry. “Having met the stringent 2-Reg require-ments, BAS Guernsey is very proud to be receiving a Guernsey AOC,” says BAS CEO Denzil White. “The addition of an operating base in Guernsey offers a springboard to the European business aviation market, allowing us to provide a much more personal service to EU clients and for global operations.”

Concept Private, part of Guernsey-headquartered offshore corporate services provider Concept Group, assisted with the AOC application, and will now provide local management services to BAS.

Roger Berry, managing director of Concept Group, says: “I am delighted that we have been able to assist Hongkong Jet with the establishment of BAS Guernsey, which will also see additional aircraft added to the AOC going forward.

“This partnership is really pleasing for many reasons, but most of all it demonstrates the strengths of Guernsey as a well-regulated, safe and secure centre in an uncertain world. The establishment of BAS Guernsey is a great example of the success of both Concept and the jurisdiction of Guernsey. It has been a collective effort of our private client team and all those at 2-Reg.”

Director Marianne Domaille adds: “The commercial registration drew significant attention to Guernsey's aviation proposition. This puts it at an advantage over Jersey and the Isle of Man, which can only register aircraft used for private flights.”