This article is published in The Weekly of Business Aviation part of Aviation Week Intelligence Network (AWIN), and is complimentary through Mar 29, 2025. For information on becoming an AWIN Member to access more content like this, click here.
SINGAPORE—Despite concerns over a weakening Chinese economy, mainland business aviation service provider Deer Jet is experiencing solid growth, driven in part by emerging industries such as green energy and automobiles.
The company is also exploring fleet expansion beyond its current eight aircraft to enhance global positioning.
Speaking at the inaugural Business Aviation Asia Forum and Expo (BAAFEx) in Singapore, Deer Jet Chairman Li Daxing told Aviation Week that the company’s charter business saw at least 40% year-on-year growth in the first two months of 2025.
This growth includes catering to corporate clients for meetings in key economic hubs like London and Frankfurt, as well as serving families for holidays and tourism. Li noted that new media platforms, such as TikTok and RedNote, have helped promote business aviation as a preferred mode of travel, while shifting consumer spending habits among Chinese travelers have further fueled demand.
Southeast Asian markets, including Singapore, Thailand and Indonesia, have emerged as key areas of growth, while Africa is also gaining traction as a promising new market.
In addition to managing around 50 aircraft, Deer Jet operates its own fleet of eight business jets, comprising three Gulfstream G550s, a new G650 and an Airbus ACJ. Li indicated that the company is considering adding more ACJ or Boeing BBJ aircraft to its fleet, as these models face less competition from other jet providers, presenting greater market opportunities.
Beyond its operations in mainland China, Deer Jet has established Deer Jet International, starting with a base in Dubai, and aims to expand its fleet to optimize aircraft positioning and provide international customers with more timely and cost-effective service.
Furthermore, Li highlighted the potential of China’s developing low-altitude economy to benefit business aviation. He sees eVTOL aircraft as a complementary solution for last-mile travel, seamlessly connecting passengers from airports to their final destinations.
Deer Jet is a subsidiary of HNA Aviation, which was acquired by Liaoning Fangda Group in December 2021. Li revealed that Liaoning Fangda Group has recently invested in several low-altitude economy companies, making it likely that Deer Jet will collaborate with an eVTOL service provider once the technology is ready.
Related Content
