11th April 2016, ABACE, SHANGHAI
Global Jet Capital, a provider of financing solutions for large-cabin, long-range private jets, has strengthened its presence in the growing Asia-Pacific market with the appointment of David Henderson as Managing Director, Asia Sales.
The company has found that between 2011-2015, the number of deliveries of large business jets to the Asia Pacific region increased by 51% compared to previous five years1. Global Jet Capital believes that Henderson’s vast experience will help drive further growth in this core market.
Henderson, who reports to Robert Gates, Head of Sales, EMEA & APAC, has around 20 years’ experience in aviation finance. His most recent roles were as Head of GE Capital’s Asia Corporate Aviation business, based in Hong Kong, and Aviation Finance Consultant for the Hong Kong-based Asian Sky Group.
He has evaluated and funded transactions for private, commercial and governmental operators, covering both fixed wing aircraft and helicopters. He has global experience with specific expertise in China, India, South East Asia and Australasia.
The current Asia Pacific fleet is weighted more towards large jets than the global average - overall 37% of the region’s business aircraft are mid to heavy jets, compared to 32% of the global fleet1. This aircraft segment is the greatest area of focus for Global Jet Capital, making the region a key target market for the company.
Henderson said: “I have worked in the region for many years and have seen the strength of business aviation grow dramatically over that time. There remains a significant appreciation of the benefits business aircraft bring and as the market continues to mature, potential buyers are looking for advisors and financiers with a global perspective. I am really excited to be joining the Global Jet Capital team and helping spearhead the company in the region.
Shawn Vick, Executive Director of Global Jet Capital, said: “David Henderson has vast experience and we are delighted that he is joining our team in APAC – a region which is of crucial importance to the growth of business aviation globally. Leona Qi has done excellent work in leading our activity in the region and will work alongside David as we ensure that we have the right team in place to bring the highest standards of evaluation to aircraft acquisitions and financing support as the market continues to mature.”
Henderson’s recruitment follows a number of high-profile appointments and is part of a strategic move by Global Jet Capital to add new talent in its key markets. It is in the process of adding origination professionals based in Hong Kong, London, Continental Europe and Dubai, as well as in the US. A full list of job opportunities with Global Jet Capital can be found at http://www.globaljetcapital.com/careers/.
Global Jet Capital launched last year, and it is capitalized by three global investment firms – GSO Capital Partners, a Blackstone company in partnership with Franklin Square Capital Partners*; The Carlyle Group; and AE Industrial Partners. In January 2016 Global Jet Capital completed the purchase of GE’s corporate aircraft lease and loan book in the Americas.
The company’s current management team and executive committee is composed of leaders from business jet manufacturers, maintenance and service providers and leading financial institutions who have served the private aircraft industry for a combined 200-plus years and have completed over 3,500 aircraft transactions.
Notes to editors
1Global Jet Capital analysis of JetNet data, March 2016. Deliveries of mid and heavy jets to Asia Pacific region between 2011-2015 compared to 2006-2010 .
*Investment to be made by funds sub-advised or advised by GSO Capital Partners and Franklin Square Capital Partners or their respective affiliates, as applicable.