TAG Aviation Asia is Granted Hong Kong Air Operator’s Certificate as Fleet Grows

May 27, 2009 9:44 AM

Regional office capabilities expand to include independent 24-hour dispatch and more charter volume

TAG Aviation Asia reached a key milestone last month when it was granted a Hong Kong Civil Aviation Authority Air Operator’s Certificate (AOC) on April 24. The recognition of its capabilities comes as the subsidiary of TAG Aviation Holding adds to its business jet fleet, increases charter capacity and offers bespoke dispatch services from its Hong Kong headquarters.

“This is a major milestone for us and we’re proud that the Hong Kong regulator has recognized us as a secure and competent operator of aircraft,” said Neil Gibson, CEO of TAG Aviation Asia. “The AOC allows us to meet future business aviation demand we are confident we’ll see across Asia Pacific.”

Granted AOC number 16, TAG Aviation Asia will launch charter operations with a Bombardier Global 5000 registered in Hong Kong. It is soon to be joined on the certificate by another Global Express. They are among TAG’s expanding Asia-Pacific fleet, now allowing it to grow beyond aircraft management and add charter volume. In addition to Hong Kong, it has aircraft based in Singapore and Taiwan.

“We’re in this region for the long term,” said Gibson, who has been CEO of TAG Aviation Asia since early last year after nearly a decade of senior positions with the company.

Since he arrived in Hong Kong, the office has established its own dispatch team operating from its office 24 hours a day. Led by Atholl Buchan, Director of Operations, the team plans to offer global dispatch to third parties later this year. TAG Aviation Asia’s is only the second fixed-wing business aviation AOC operating in Hong Kong at present as the region grows into demand. Gibson noted that new aircraft deliveries in Asia Pacific continue to be accepted in spite of challenging conditions for the sector globally.

Gibson began his career with TAG Aviation UK in 2000, when he joined as charter sales manager and quickly advanced to become Managing Director in 2004. With responsibility for the AOC as well as 75 employees and 22 aircraft under management, he led the UK operation to become one of the most respected charter and management companies in Europe.

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