Ascend moves in to Japan’s dynamic aviation hub

May 17th 2011 – London, New York, Hong Kong, Tokyo. After years of providing vital consultancy in Japan, Ascend is moving in – opening an office in Tokyo’s Shibuya-ku.

The aerospace specialists (www.ascendworldwide.com) have over 40 impressive clients in Japan, which boasts a dynamic market of operators, investors, lessors and manufacturers, so for Ascend, it’s time to settle in permanently.

Ascend CEO, Gehan Talwatte, says, “The US $62.5 billion Japanese aviation sector is one of the world’s most significant markets; home to aviation finance and investment on a scale that compares to New York and Dublin.

“In particular, Japanese airlines have started to catch the low cost carrier wave pioneered in the US and Europe.

“We have done a great deal of consultancy on behalf of clients here. Many of our team were on the ground when the tragic T?hoku earthquake struck in April this year. Despite the impact of these terrible events, deals continue to be done and Tokyo remains a key hub in the sector. We remain committed to serving our growing customer base here.”

Underlining its ties with this valuable market place, Ascend will host Japan’s first ever aviation finance forum in Tokyo this September, bringing together key influencers to discuss opportunities and risks for investors in aviation assets.

With over 120 widebody aircraft on order, Japan is a compelling aerospace market. In the last five years Japanese carriers have taken delivery of over 165 aircraft and almost seven per cent of all widebodies.

Talwatte continues, “Our Tokyo office is a natural next step in our aggressive growth strategy. We have hundreds of corporate clients in Asia Pacific. As the world’s fastest-growing region, it took over 35% of new aircraft deliveries last year.”

The new Tokyo base complements Ascend’s teams in the leading financial centres of New York, Hong Kong and London.