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TAG Aviation Asia Ltd, a subsidiary of TAG Aviation Holding S.A. from Switzerland, today (May 27) officially announced the business expansion of its aircraft charter, aircraft management, aircraft completion monitoring and aircraft brokerage services in Hong Kong. The company has hired additional staff and moved into a larger office in Wanchai in a response to growing demand for their services.
Established in Hong Kong in 2006, TAG Aviation Asia Ltd is responsible for the Asian expansion of parent company TAG Aviation's global business aircraft services. TAG Aviation Asia Ltd offers its clients the benefits of centralised aircraft operations support and local service to Asian clients and joins a network of TAG subsidiaries around the world in locations in the USA, Europe and the UK. The company currently operates over 200 business aircraft worldwide and is considered an industry-leader with more than forty years' experience.
CEO of TAG Aviation Asia, Mr Neil Gibson, said, "TAG Aviation Asia's business plan for Hong Kong is long-term. We have significantly invested in our people and infrastructure locally. This city is the ideal starting point for our strategic expansion in Asia and as we continue to grow in the future, Hong Kong will remain our regional headquarters."
Director-General of Investment Promotion at Invest Hong Kong, Mr Simon Galpin, welcomed the company's business expansion. He said, "TAG Aviation Asia's continued investment and expansion in our city is an illustration of the opportunities in, and strong support of, Hong Kong's aviation industry."
TAG Aviation Asia was granted the Hong Kong Air Operator's Certificate (Hong Kong AOC) by the Civil Aviation Department at an award ceremony held this afternoon. This official document is issued to a local airline/business jet operator and attests to the airline/business jet's competence regarding its ability to secure a safe public transport service using the particular type of Hong Kong registered aircraft specified in the Hong Kong AOC.
Attending the award ceremony, Head of Transportation at Invest Hong Kong, Mr Benjamin Wong, congratulated TAG Aviation Asia on receiving the Hong Kong AOC. He said, "In the face of current economic challenges, we remain optimistic about the long-term development of the aviation industry in Hong Kong – particularly with the growing interest from the Greater China region. The recognition of the quality of service provided by companies like TAG Aviation Asia in Hong Kong helps strengthen the industry and our city's position as a regional aviation hub."
Mr Gibson added, "Having obtained the Hong Kong AOC, TAG Aviation Asia is now able to offer commercial flights to their clients in the type of Hong Kong-registered aircraft specified in the Hong Kong AOC. Becoming an air operator in Hong Kong, we have accomplished a major milestone. Our goals are to grow our business and the business aviation industry to cater for the increasing demand in the Greater China region."
Director-General of Civil Aviation, Mr Norman Lo, said, "Business aviation plays an essential role in enhancing accessibility, flexibility, efficiency, reliability of and customer satisfaction in air transport services.
"Since 1999, the Hong Kong business aviation sector has enjoyed remarkable growth, in terms of an average annual growth rate of 17 per cent in aircraft movements and 20 per cent in passengers carried," Mr Lo added.
About TAG Aviation Asia
TAG Aviation Asia is a subsidiary of TAG Aviation Holding S.A. which is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland. With over 40 years of experience in the business aircraft sector, TAG Aviation currently operates more than 200 business aircraft. The company offers aviation services including aircraft management, aircraft charter, Fixed Base Operations (FBO) and ground handling services as well as maintenance and aircraft brokerage. Other than the Hong Kong office, TAG Aviation currently operates regional offices in London, Madrid, Geneva, San Francisco, Bahrain and Singapore. For more information, please visit www.tagaviation.com.
About Invest Hong Kong
Invest Hong Kong is the award-winning department of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government responsible for attracting and facilitating inward investment into the city, by providing free services and support to help overseas, Mainland and Taiwanese companies establish or expand their business presence in Hong Kong. For more information, please visit www.InvestHK.gov.hk.
Ends/Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Issued at HKT 17:01
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