NetJets is to transfer up to 20 aircraft to Amber Aviation over the next two years amongst other investment, as it assists the Asia-based firm in building up its core fleet. Amber has just closed its Series B funding round, as well as investment from NetJets, the firm will receive additional financing from existing investor Hony Capital, and new investors Fung Investments, and Macau-based Liu’s Group.
NetJets said the aircraft will be transferred from its existing fleet which will then be operated under Amber Aviation’s AOC.
Adam Johnson, NetJets chairman and CEO, said: “The team at Amber Aviation shares NetJets ’commitment to safety and service, and is a truly collaborative partner that we look forward to working with alongside our respected co-investors. NetJets will also support Amber in the acquisition of additional business jets direct from various manufacturers with whom NetJets has long standing relationships.”
The funding will also assist Amber in setting up a new jet card, a membership club and a shared lease programme.
“The shared lease programme will be amongst the first in China,” said Chang Qiusheng, founder and president of Amber Aviation. “There’s a huge gap in the market for charter users that wish to take the next step towards full aircraft ownership given the financial undertaking required.”
Amber Aviation will receive its first aircraft in April next year, with the remaining aircraft due before the end of 2023. NetJets will also provide service support, sales assistance, product design and legal support.
Qiusheng added: “I am incredibly proud that NetJets chose Amber to be its partner, as it demonstrates how far Amber Aviation has come in the past four years since being set up. With NetJets’ assistance we can quickly build up the available fleet of aircraft so that we can be ready once international borders fully reopen. We understand that the size of the fleet is very important, so by having aircraft in place ready, we are sure that we can be successful.”
Amber is planning to base its new aircraft across major cities in China and Asia, including Beijing, Guangzhou, Shanghai, Hangzhou, Shenzhen, Macau, Hong Kong and Singapore.
