Brunei (Commonwealth Union)_ Brunei’s promising startup, Gallop Air, is actively engaging with potential investors as it gears up for its anticipated launch in the latter half of 2024. This development comes shortly after the company made headlines with a substantial USD 2 billion order for the acquisition of 30 COMAC aircraft. Gallop Air’s CEO, Cham Chi, revealed that discussions with numerous prospective investors are currently in progress. He is also exploring avenues for collaboration and investment from the Brunei government and local businesses.
Additionally, Cham Chi mentioned that discussions have been held with banks and lessors to secure the necessary funding for the aircraft acquisitions. The extensive order placed by Gallop Air encompasses ARJ21-700s, some of which will feature a VIP configuration, ARJ21-700(F)s, and C919s, although specific details regarding the breakdown of these aircraft types were not disclosed by either Gallop Air or COMAC. Upon delivery, Gallop Air will hold the distinction of being the first operator of the C919 aircraft outside mainland China and only the second non-Chinese operator of the ARJ21-700.
Gallop Air’s ownership and leadership rest in the hands of Chinese businessman Yang Qiang, who oversees the venture through a Singapore-based entity. Yang also holds the position of chairman at the privately-owned Shaanxi Tianju Investment Group. The order announcement was made via the WeChat social media platform on September 18 during the China-ASEAN Expo in Nanning. According to the statement from the Tianju group, “Gallop Air will join hands with COMAC’s domestically produced jets, the ARJ21 and C919, to build on Brunei’s soaring reputation for quality and branding in Asia and Oceania.”
Further, the move is expected to strengthen aviation ties between Brunei and China, with Nanning and Guilin in the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Southern China, emerging as likely initial destinations. Notably, Royal Brunei Airlines, a state-owned carrier, presently operates scheduled services between Bandar Seri Begawan and three Chinese airports, namely Beijing Daxing International, Hangzhou, and Nanning, as per data from the ch-aviation schedules module.
