Exclusive | France’s Elior Group chief ‘confident’ about Hong Kong aircraft processing deal
CEO Daniel Derichebourg says company is in early stage of discussions with government but he is keen to set up ‘as soon as possible’
A leading French aeronautical services company with plans to use Hong Kong as its regional base to expand its reach across Asia, including mainland China, is confident of finalising a deal to develop its first aircraft parts processing and trading centre on the continent.
In an exclusive interview with the Post, Daniel Derichebourg, chairman and CEO of the France-based Elior Group, expressed confidence a deal with the city government could be reached and that with authorities’ support, through provision of land and trained talent, Hong Kong would continue to grow as a centre of aviation excellence.
He added that he hoped to set up the company’s operation for aircraft dismantling, parts processing and recycling in the city “as soon as possible”.
“We are still in an early stage of our discussions … Yes, we are confident that we will make it work. Because if not, we will not be here,” Derichebourg, 72, said.
“We’re keen and committed to setting up this operation in Hong Kong. Our mission is to develop our business in Asia, and Hong Kong will be a regional base.”
Posting on Facebook last week after meeting with Derichebourg, Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu threw his full support behind the group setting up in Hong Kong, pledging the government would provide one-stop services to help operations in the city.
