China appears to have taken another step toward filling the fleet requirements of its 2016-20 strategic plan with the signing of a general terms agreement with Airbus for 18 A330s and 42 A320-family aircraft. While details remain unclear, the agreement, which coincides with a state visit to China by French President Francois Hollande, appears to be a new agreement rather than a reiteration of a previous commitment.

Gulfstream is moving to protect one of its strongest assets in the flourishing Chinese business aircraft market — its brand. Among the best known business jet brands in China, Gulfstream is investing in support services to ensure that its early advantage translates into long-term strength in the country. The phenomenon that has boosted Gulfstream in its early years is a familiar one in China, say industry officials outside of the company. When mainland Chinese buyers enter an unfamiliar foreign market, they reach for a known brand.

Chinese interest in smaller aircraft is growing, says Dassault Falcon, noting strengthening sales of its Falcon 2000 aircraft in the country. In some cases, operators of large business jets, such as the 32-metric-ton (70,000 lb.) Falcon 7X, are interested in the Falcon 2000 because they realize that, while they require a second aircraft, they need it only for domestic and Asian regional flying, says Jean Michel Jacob, senior vice president for international sales at Dassault Falcon.