Organisers of the second edition of Hainan Rendez-Vous, Asia’s first and only private aviation lifestyle exhibition, announced today that some 250 of the region’s business elites will be flown by private jet to their April 1-4 show in Hainan, a tropical island that is fast developing into China’s version of the French Riviera.

Showcasing the world’s finest private jets, Hainan Rendez-Vous 2011 provides an ideal communication platform for manufacturers and buyers of business aircraft.

It is the only Business-to-VIP-Customer aircraft exhibition in the whole of Asia, and the region’s only show where exhibiting private jet manufacturers actually fly in such a large number of show attendees from their city of origin and back.

In total the event, which also includes a yacht exhibit and luxury property and brands shows, is expected to draw some 8,000 high net worth individuals this year.

Canadian aviation company Bombardier has launched the Global 7000 and Global 8000 two new large business jets.

The Global 7000 and 8000, which will cost about $65 million, will beat the high-speed range of the $58.5 million Gulfstream G650.

Both new jets will have a high-speed cruise of Mach 0.90; the 7000 will have a range of 7,300 nmi (13,520 km) at Mach 0.85, while the 8000’s range will top out at 7,900 nmi (14,631 km) at Mach 0.85.

Bombardier is reducing its 10-year industry forecast for business jet deliveries by nearly 15 percent from last year because of the global recession.

The world’s third-largest aircraft manufacturer said Monday it now expects there will be 11,500 business jets delivered by the industry between 2009 and 2018.

Bombardier said the industry for new business aircraft will face challenges of a negative public perception about the use of private planes and a difficult economic climate.

ExecuJet South Africa and Bombardier Business Aircraft were joint hosts at the recent 2nd biennial Jets & Jewels celebration at Lanseria International Airport.

ExecuJet’s private jet hangar was transformed into an elegant function venue, where 450 guests and celebrities enjoyed a show of the latest fashion lines from Hugo Boss, Armani and Lacoste.

Specialist banking group, Investec, was another key sponsor. Two Learjet 45s and a Global Express were showcased, alongside two gleaming Maseratis.

When it comes to winter luxury, one ski destination continues to rank top of the list - Courchevel in the French Alps, according to leading private air charter broker Oxygen 4, is the ski resort at which to see and be seen.

And even this year, with the credit crunch biting, some of the resort’s most sumptuous hotels were already fully booked six months ago for the peak January fortnight 2-14th with some guests paying upwards of €50,000 to ensure the best accommodation.

Booming global demand for new business jets is expected to continue through the end of 2009 despite recent oil-price shocks and economic turmoil, according to the latest forecast by aerospace supplier Honeywell International Inc.

Lately it seems that the private jet revolution is bigger in Europe than in the U.S. The latest new fractional ownership and charter brand Jet Republic, a new company set to take on the European leader NetJets Europe.

Jet Republic has bought 110 Bombardier Learjet 60XRs which is a full 25 orders and 85 options valued at $1.5 billion which is said to be the largest single business jet order in European aircraft history.

The venture recently launched and will sell a Jet card at 130,000 euros ($190,000) for 25 hours of flying time. Jet Republic has arrangements with 30 business aircraft operators throughout Europe to provide charters for their customers.