Asian SkyCast

In Part 1 of an ongoing conversation, ASG’s Max Buirski sits down with Avion Pacific CEO and new ASBAA Chairperson Wu Zhendong to talk about his path to becoming a successful entrepreneur during the opening up of China in the 1980’s, what things were like in the early days of China’s general aviation industry and the importance of recognizing when you’re in the right place at the right time. They also touch on the Sino-US relationship and Mr. Wu’s goals for ASBAA, before wrapping up with a semi-deep dive into the Chinese helicopter market.

Listen in as they discuss:

How he went from studying English literature to becoming a pioneer of China’s nascent general aviation industry [2:19]

‘Translating’ the offshore helicopter business [7:17]

Making the decision to go into private business [15:21]

Landing his first consulting contract [21:33]

How he got started selling helicopters [23:08]

The Sino-US relationship [29:47]

His goals for the Asian Business Aviation Association (ASBAA) [32:15]

The prospect of more open air space [36:07]

The current state of the Chinese helicopter market [37:28]

Asian Sky Group’s Max Buirski speaks with the CEO’s of four large Asia Pacific helicopter operators at the Rotorcraft Conference in Singapore. Listen in as Benjamin ‘Jay’ Lopez, President of INAEC Aviation; Mohsein Ma’som, CEO of MHS Aviation; Thierry Tea, Chairman of Philjets Group; and Tisanu Ratanarat, CEO of SFS Aviation discuss a variety of topics relevant to operating in the APAC region:

OEMs and local support (4:20)

What can local Governments do to ease regulatory constraints (11:10)

Personnel shortages (20:08)

The use of leasing as a strategy (24:15)

The outlook for their respective businesses (30:30)

The prospect of an ASEAN regulator (47:38)

The difficulty operating in more than one country (48:45)