China forges ahead with airspace opening-up (3)

Opening the airspace is expected to promote China's general aviation industry, including the purchase and use of private planes. There is potential for market growth in this area but it has been impeded by the country's restrictions on airspace use.

In November 2010, the State Council and the Central Military Commission jointly decided to open up part of the country's low-altitude airspace for the first time.

By 2020, the country will need 10,000 to 12,000 general aviation aircraft, according to China's civil aviation authorities. Related industries will form a market valued at about one trillion yuan.