Hong Kong-based Dragon General Aviation Group (DGA) is celebrating its 20th anniversary. Over the past two decades, DGA says it has pioneered and continues to lead the Asian general aviation sector. Today, through its brands Aerochine, L'Voyage and Jet 8, it continues to push to the forefront of general aviation in greater China.

DGA's founder and chairwoman Diana Chou also helped establish the Asian Business Aviation Association (AsBAA) and remains on its board of governors. She was the first woman to sell a business jet in Asia, and set up Sino Private Aviation 20 years ago to sell business jets to the Asian market. She was appointed an independent representative for Bombardier Business Aircraft in Hong Kong, Macau and China. A decade later, Chou leveraged her experience and market needs and founded Aerochine Aviation, which pioneered sales of helicopters in China and was appointed an independent representative of Bell Helicopter for the same region.

In 2013, Chou founded bespoke business aircraft charter consultancy L'Voyage, utilising owners' business aircraft that were not being fully put to use. L'Voyage was recognised as 'Best Charter Broker' at AsBAA's Icons of Aviation 2017 awards and is the first Wyvern-accredited charter broker in Asia.

A year ago Chou, along with veteran business aviation partner Adrien Chazottes, launched Jet 8 Aviation which provides boutique aircraft acquisition and financial advisory services to aircraft owners in Asia. Jet 8 draws its experience from over 200 aircraft transactions to ensure customers receive first class expertise and tailored solutions to their private aviation needs.

Most recently, DGA added its fourth stand-alone brand, L'Voyage Travel, selling commercial airline tickets, hotel reservations, bespoke tailored travel itineraries, ground transportation services and attracting both leisure and corporate customers in the region.

“I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to our customers, partners and dedicated team for being part of DGA's success over the last 20 years,” says Chou. “We will continue to steadfastly hold on to our core philosophy of looking after the best interests of the customer rather than our own, as I strongly believe that a customer's trust and satisfaction is the key to building any sustainable business. We will keep setting the bar ever higher.”

As the Chinese market matures and its buyers become more rational in their purchase decisions, she expects to see an increase in pre-owned business aircraft transactions in the foreseeable future. DGA's two decades of expertise will be in demand from customers seeking a team that understands exactly what a customer wants.

Through its offices in Hong Kong, Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Ningbo and Zhenjiang, DGA offers end-to-end solutions that include aircraft acquisition and leasing as well as after-sales service, charter consultancy and maintenance. DGA’s private aviation expertise covers the full range of aircraft from private jets to turboprops and helicopters.