Guernsey-based civil aviation registry 2-Reg has granted an air operator certificate (AOC) to Business Aircraft Services (BAS) Guernsey – the recently-formed aircraft management subsidiary of Hongkong Jet.

The first aircraft to be registered on the certificate is a Boeing BBJ787-8, which was originally registered in August 2016 for private use only but can now be offered for commercial charter.

The BBJ787-8 is under the operational control of BAS Guernsey and will be available for worldwide charter under the registration number 2-DEER. It is the first 787-8 and first Boeing Business Jet to be registered by 2-Reg, and is also the first AOC issued by the registry for an aircraft operating in the Asia region.

An AOC allows the operator to promote its charter services for public carriage for remuneration. BAS Guernsey attained the highest safety standards for public transport by satisfactorily complying with the 1000-plus registration requirements.

Guernsey Finance Chief Executive, Dominic Wheatley, said the new registration underscored the growing ties between Guernsey, mainland China and Hong Kong, where the Bailiwick has a representational office.

"Guernsey's growing aircraft registry is another string to the island's bow when it comes to offering a fulsome business package," Mr Wheatley said. "It complements Guernsey's expertise in banking, wealth management, investment funds, insurance and wider financial services, all of which are important in the structuring, financing and holding of an aircraft."

Concept Private, a division of Guernsey-based fiduciary services provider Concept Group, incorporated BAS Guernsey and will provide local management services to the company. Director Marianne Domaille said the commercial registration drew significant attention to Guernsey's aviation proposition.

"This puts Guernsey at an advantage over Jersey and the Isle of Man, who can only register aircraft used for private flights," she said.

Established in 2013, 2-Reg has registered more than 180 aircraft. In March 2016, the registry adopted new regulations that allow it to also issue registration and certificates for commercial air transport for companies that are located and registered in Guernsey, leading Hongkong Jet to establish BAS Guernsey on the island.

Hongkong Jet established BAS Guernsey to position itself as a market leader in global executive jet operations. It is the first to operate the Boeing 787-8 VVIP aircraft, and make it available for worldwide charter. BAS Guernsey expects to add aircraft to the 2-Reg AOC at a frequency of about five per year.

Guernsey Finance China Representative Wendy Weng and Director of International Business Development Kate Clouston are in attendance with representatives of Concept and 2-Reg at the Asian Business Aviation Conference & Exhibition in Shanghai this week.

For more information about Guernsey's finance industry please visit www.guernseyfinance.com.

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