Jeffrey Lowe, Asian Sky Group

Jeffrey Lowe, General Manager of the Asian Sky Group reveals what it takes sell aircraft and how the Hong Kong market has changed in recent years.

Jeffrey Lowe is the general manager of the Asian Sky Group. Moving to Hong Kong in 1997, the Canadian-born aviation fanatic has held a wide variety of jobs within the industry.

Now with over 30 years of experience, the business is still yet to lose its magic for Lowe, which is evident when he is asked what his favourite part of being an aircraft broker is. “That’s easy, he says.” “It’s the people you end up doing business with. The aviation business is full of fascinating people with incredible stories of how they got to where they are today.”

How do you get into aviation and aircraft sales?

“My father was in aviation, so I was always going to be drawn to the airplane business. When I graduated university my career started with the legendary Canadian aviation company The de Havilland Aircraft Company of Canada Ltd., which at that time was still manufacturing Twin Otters and Dash 7s and just about to commence production of the Dash 8 series of regional aircraft. As they say, airplanes are in my blood and I’ve spent over 30 years in the business now, also working for the likes of Boeing, Canadair, Bombardier and Gulfstream.”

How has the market changed in the last few years?

“I came to Hong Kong in 1997. At that time there was only one business jet here. It took another 4 years before the second business jet finally arrived and then another two years before I introduced the first Gulfstream into China. Today, Greater China is the most vibrant business aviation market in the world and I’ve been part of that which is still pretty exciting even today.”

How many aircraft did you sell last year and how many do you expect to sell in 2012?

“For the last five years I was working for a pioneering aircraft management company in China where aircraft sales was not our primary focus. Today that company is the largest aircraft management company in China. My new role at Asian Sky Group just started earlier this year and we hope to grow to be the largest aircraft brokerage company in Asia.”

What do you think makes a good aircraft broker?

“Honesty and integrity, knowledge and experience, respect, and being a good listener.”

What is the most valuable lesson you have learnt in your career so far?

“Actually it’s from my father again – don’t do things half assed. If you are going to do something, do it right which means be professional and thorough.”