Hong Kong’s Metrojet and California-based Solairus Aviation formed a strategic alliance to offer aircraft management and charter services in Asia, they announced today at Abace. The two companies, respectively holders of Hong Kong and U.S. air operator’s certificates, provide owners with the ability to offer their aircraft for charter to offset aircraft ownership costs.

At the moment, the charter market in Asia is in its infancy as there are few available business jets, and most local owners prefer not to share their space, said Metrojet CEO Bjorn Naf. “These are people’s living rooms and bedrooms and they feel uncomfortable about letting others in,” he told AIN.

“This is like the charter market in the U.S. in the 1970s,” said Solairus COO Greg Peterson. Initially no one wanted to share an aircraft, but then they saw the benefits of offsetting their costs. I see the Asian market evolving at a much faster pace, however, as people see the benefits of flying privately while gaining some revenues.”

With an anticipated 60 new business jets coming into China this year, there is also great need for experienced management companies to take care of aircraft. There is a dearth of skilled personnel in the region, so bringing in talent from outside is crucial, concluded Solairus CEO Dan Drohan.