jetAVIVA Finds Opportunities in China

I just returned from Beijing, China, where I attended the annual China General Aviation Forum. This year is of particular importance for general aviation in China because the Chinese 12 ^th 5 year national plan, published this year, specifically lists general aviation infrastructure development as a strategic objective of the country.
Additionally, the Civil Aviation Authority of China and the Chinese military have published a plan to make airspace below 3,000 meters (about 10,000 feet) available for VFR flying within the next five years. There appears to be genuine motivation on the part of the Chinese people and government to promote general aviation.


I had the opportunity to meet several aircraft manufacturer’s sales representatives, aircraft operators, and government officials. China is a very interesting place and it is very different from most of the countries that I’m used to visiting.

China is the world’s most populous country and is one of the oldest civilizations. In the 20^th century, the Chinese people have gone through incredible ups and downs; war with Japan, civil war, the Great Leap Forward, the Cultural Revolution, famine, terrorism, political upheaval, and now (over the last 20 years or so), a dramatic rise in wealth and power. I learned that this history brings with it an intricate culture, full of superstitions, and a manner of communication that even befuddles native Chinese speakers (in fact both what is said and how it is said have very little relevance to the message that’s actually being passed). This will prove to be a challenge for aviation companies from “developed” countries that try to do business in China.

There are presently just over 2,000 private pilots in China, despite the large number of wealthy Chinese that love expensive toys. If it weren’t for government restrictions on airspace, I would expect there to be at least 100,000 private pilots, if not more. With the lifting of airspace restrictions planned over the next five years, I expect demand for flight schools, FBOs, maintenance facilities, aircraft manufacturers, airports, and the other aviation infrastructure that we enjoy in the developed world to ramp up.

Many of the attendees to China General Aviation Forum were economic development representatives of various municipalities in China, all trying to create the “Wichita of China”. They are offering subsidies, tax incentives, land, and direct investment to people who wish to bring aviation experience and capabilities to their cities. As a result I enjoyed some fabulous aviation themed parties...

China recently purchased Cirrus Design and I’m sure that there will be more transactions like that soon. Embraer has been building some ERJs in China in partnership with a Chinese company for years, and it was recently announced that that facility would begin to build business jets as well. Also, the first Chinese-built Airbus recently made its first flight. An indigenous design called the COMAC C919, which will compete head-to-head with the next generation Boeing 737 and Airbus A320 families, is slated for entry-into-service in 2016.

In addition to learning about general aviation in China, I also had a day or so to see the tourist sites including the Forbidden City and the Great Wall.

I’m looking forward to the day that we get to deliver the first Phenom to a Chinese customer. Having recently completed our fifth delivery of a Phenom 100 to India, I’m sure demand from the Chinese is just around the corner.

- Ben Marcus