China encourages private aircraft ownership

China will welcome foreign investment for general aviation enterprises, and encourage private aircraft ownership, according to Liu Wannian, the deputy director from China Civil Aviation Secretary for Transport.

The general aviation industry in Chinese mainland began in the 1950s. Until now, there are 80 general aviation enterprises and 70 airports in China. The number of general aviation pilots amounts to 3076 of which 806 hold private licenses.

China has 898 general aviation aircraft altogether, which is still considered a low level worldwide. In 2008, more than 170 aircraft were in shortage in the agriculture and forestry industries.

From 2008 to 2017, it is estimated that over 42,000 aircraft, with the total value of 214.4 billion U.S. dollars, are in global demand. China needs about 5,000 aircraft worth of 15.5 billion U.S. dollars, which accounts for nearly 20 percent of global demand.

In the next decade, China will accelerate flight training and private recreational flying business as well as short-haul passenger and cargo transport to fully develop the aviation market.

By People's Daily Online