Business jet market hits air pocket

Big spending and flaunting of fortunes by status-conscious tycoons are out; smart buying and affordable used planes are in

Chinese corporate jet buyers, known for big spending, appear to have become more thrifty. That's because they now know they can buy affordable business jets, including used ones.

"Chinese buyers are shifting their focus from the range, cabin volume or luxury interior design to the aircraft's value in terms of money and performance," said Guan Dongyuan, senior vice-president of Brazilian manufacturer Embraer SA and president of Embraer China.