\u201cThe biggest reason why a lot of people use private aviation is because it\u2019s efficient, it\u2019s productive.\u201d<\/p>\n
The world\u2019s longest-range business jets can fly direct from Auckland to Los Angeles or Tokyo.<\/p>\n
Aslam said private aviation could drastically slash travel times for European or North American customers.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe cater to a whole range of clients,\u201d PrivatPort global chief executive Josua Hildbrand said today.<\/p>\n
Those included medical flights, repatriation of residents from abroad, and flights for organ transplantation.<\/p>\n
Most users of the hub would be high net worth individuals and businesspeople on private jets, he said.<\/p>\n
Sometimes they had schedules or itineraries that scheduled flights could not meet.<\/p>\n
The PrivatPort and SO Capital facility has biosecurity and customs screening capabilities.<\/p>\n
The joint venture partners would build a premium executive network across New Zealand, Australia and the Pacific, Hildbrand said previously.<\/p>\n
Aslam said given the size of the region, the decision to establish the partnership\u2019s Asia-Pacific headquarters in Auckland was significant.<\/p>\n
SO Capital chief executive Shah Aslam and PrivatPort global chief executive Josua Hildbrand at Auckland Airport. Photo \/ Cameron Pitney<\/p>\n
A group with links through iwi Ng\u0101ti Wh\u0101tua and the Te Tai Tokerau region performed a wero and p\u014dwhiri today.<\/p>\n
The facility is off the domestic terminal at Walsh Brothers Place, a road named for New Zealand aviation pioneers Austin Leonard (Leo) and Vivian Walsh.<\/p>\n
Guests at the signing ceremony today included people from Auckland Airport, Air Napier and the Royal New Zealand Air Force.<\/p>\n
PrivatPort provides ground-handling expertise for VIP passengers, crews and private jets, and advice or support for traffic rights and landing permits.<\/p>\n
SO Capital already has aviation interests, including through private jet, freight and charter operator Air Napier, which Aslam owns.<\/p>\n