China has First Pavilion at AirVenture

China has First Pavilion at AirVenture: "

This is China’s biggest AirVenture to date. Though there were no Chinese flags flying in celebration, Chinese companies now own the Cirrus and Epic airplane manufacturers, Brantly helicopter, Superior Air Parts, and the Continental engine company.

In addition, China manufactures the Cessna Skycatcher for Cessna, and is in discussions with Hawker Beechcraft and Cessna to develop and build business jets there. Embraer already has a joint venture in China that will build Legacy business jets.

Chinese-owned Cirrus Aircraft will deliver 25 SR20 trainers to the U.S. Air Force academy under a $6.1 milion contract. One is seen in USAF markings at AirVenture.

General aviation hasn’t yet taken off in China, but investors there want to be ready when airspace restrictions are finally lifted and the skies are flooded with light aircraft and helicopters. They realize, though, that they have a lot to learn when it comes to topics like regulation and infrastructure.

And that is why AirVenture this year featured the first China Pavilion, the focal point for a delegation of 60 Chinese aviation-minded delegates led by Jin Yong Fa, deputy chief engineer of Beijing Capital Jet, the fixed base operator for business aviation at Beijing Capital Airport.

The Pavilion is the brainchild of Francis Chao, managing director and publisher of China Civil Aviation Report, which has long championed general aviation in that country. “It will build, but it needs everybody’s help,” he said.

While the government is reluctant to give everyone the freedom of the skies, it doesn’t know how to regulate it, he said. Meanwhile, the desire and passion for aviation, as seen at AirVenture, is building up in China from the grass roots and, in his opinion, GA in China is unstoppable. Further pressure is coming from investors clamoring for GA as an opportunity to make money, and municipalities are also calling to share the benefits it can bring.

“That’s why we’re here – to show our delegates how general aviation can be managed, and to learn what infrastructure is needed,” he said.

“China is now beginning to switch to preparation of the infrastructure. We are looking to team with anyone that can help.”

The delegation will be touring several U.S. airports after AirVenture.

Expect to see an even greater Chinese presence at next year’s show!

"