The first business jet to be registered in Taiwan is a G550 and its owner hopes increased commerce between Taiwan and China will lead to the creation of a brisk charter business between the two countries. Win Air held a grand opening for its new charter and jet management service in Taipei last week and owner Terry Gou told Focus Taiwan it’s the first business of its kind in Taiwan. Win Air already had two U.S.-registered Gulfstreams in operation before it put Taiwanese marks on its newest aircraft. The company flies primarily to Europe and the U.S. right now but Gou is hoping a change in regulations will lead to exponential growth of his business to 20 aircraft.
A landmark transportation agreement between China and Taiwan in 2008 allowed, for the first time, private air travel between the two. However, charter operations are not allowed. Gou said that if that changes he envisions up to 40 percent of his business will be across the strait to China. Meanwhile, Taiwan is embracing business aviation and is planning to call bids for a business aviation center at Taipei Airport, which could open next year.
