SPONSORED CONTENT THREE YEARS INTO THE PANDEMIC – A CHINA BUSINESS JET COMPANY’S OUTLOOK FOR THE FUTURE An interview with Astro Air 20 | ASIA-PACIFIC CHARTER REPORT <strong>2022</strong>
SPONSORED CONTENT troubled by COVID-19 at the moment and Astro Air is no exception. To better understand the operational planning under these challenging times and the related businesses of Astro Air, Global Sky Media spoke to Mr. JJ Chen, Founder, Chairman, and CEO of Astro Air. How do you see the development of Astro Air in 2021-<strong>2022</strong>? At the beginning of COVID-19, the negative impact was so huge that the employees could not come to work and the company could not operate normally. Up to now, the restrictions needed to control the pandemic also have an impact the whole industry. However, Astro Air saw this time as an opportunity to make some internal adjustments and management changes to better prepare and plan for the development in the era of COVID-19. In the face of a force majeure such as the pandemic, Astro Air has made some effective corporate reforms. JJ Chen Founder, Chairman, CEO Astro Air astroairgroup.com Although founded in 2012, Astro Air started its official operation in 2016, headquartered in Shenzhen, with its main operating base located at the Shenzhen Baoan International Airport. The company is mainly engaged in aircraft management, VIP charter services, customized tours, aviation infrastructure, aircraft trading, maintenance management, aviation training and other business aviation services. Astro Air has set up bases in several major cities in China, including Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Hong Kong and Chengdu, and is committed to providing quality comprehensive aircraft travel services to customers in mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan. What is your outlook for 2023 in light of the ongoing COVID-19 restrictions in China? What are the positive expectations? Astro Air’s marketing strategy focuses on hard success metrics by leveraging digital channels more effectively and supplementing our online campaign with offline media. Astro Air has raised tens of millions of RMB in Series B and Series B+ financing rounds in the past two years. These funds will be used for the future growth of the company. Astro Air originally planned to complete its IPO listing in 2024, but that may be affected now because of the pandemic’s ongoing impact. My prediction for 2023 is that the industry will gradually recover because the negative impact of COVID-19 will gradually decrease. But I suppose the recovery mainly depends on three things. First, the customs policy between Hong Kong and mainland China; second, the volume of domestic and international flights around the world to restore 70%-80% to that of pre-pandemic levels; third, the daily covid test requirements. If there is no substantial change, the industry In July <strong>2022</strong>, Astro Air successfully obtained the International Standard for Business Aircraft Operations (IS-BAO) Stage III certification from the International Business Aviation Council (IBAC), becoming one of the few business aircraft companies in China to have done so. Many companies in China remain deeply ASIA-PACIFIC CHARTER REPORT <strong>2022</strong> | 21