Business jets, first introduced in the 1960s, rapidly gained popularity by the 1980s. In the United States, the extensive airport infrastructure and vast landscapes fueled the demand for these jets. Warren Buffett's introduction of fractional ownership shares in business jets significantly accelerated their adoption.
By the late 1990s, long-range jets capable of trans-Pacific flights emerged and started beginning to gain global recognition. Around this time, Japan saw a surge in business jet demand, with affluent individuals and corporations starting to own these jets. By the 2000s, business jets were recognized across Asia, transitioning from luxury items to essential business tools. The increasing use by international corporates and executives emphasized the importance of time efficiency, further boosting the utilization of business jets in Japan.
Sojitz established its business jet section in 2003, striving to promote the adoption of business jets in Japan. Despite facing numerous initial challenges, Sojitz expanded its operations by adopting flexible business models and extending services to both international and domestic flights. Today, Japan’s business jet industry is in a growth phase, demanding better Fixed-Base Operator facilities and infrastructure improvements. In the future, regulatory relaxations, technological innovation, and production efficiency could promise a wider accessibility to the public, and Sojitz will continue to take on the challenge of optimizing business jet operations in Japan.
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