Privately owned plane manufacturers are actively participating in this year's air show in Zhuhai. That comes as China is showing increased potential in its business jet market. Our reporter He Weiwei spoke with a leading manufacturer concerning the sector's development.
Still think that private jets may just be out of reach? Well at the Air Show China 2016, you got a chance to take a closer look at these luxurious aircrafts. Textron Aviation is among the world’s leading manufacturers for private business planes. And, they provide over 20 types of jets to meet different demands, with the top priority being "saving time".
"We just have certain hours of the day, and if I can get there quicker, if I can get there ahead of my competition, I’m going to be more competitive. So the private jet is a tool to let you do that." said Bill Schultz, senior VP of Business Dev't of Testron Aviation
Rather than individual customers, most buyers of such business jets are companies and certain government institutions. The planes can be used in a wide range of services, such as courier delivery or even maritime patrol.
When talking about private jets, many people may think that they are for those wealthy people or movie stars. But actually they have far more functions than that. Take this for example, this jet is designed for VIP business trip, but it can be transformed into an air ambulance for rescue operations.
Over the past years, China has seen an increased demand for such aircraft.
"Look at China, most of its major development has been along the eastern sea border, but the central government in China is trying to push that development westward to push the urbanization moving westward." Bill said.
But one obstacle for the industry is a shortage of pilots. Schultz says China, on an annual basis, has a demand for 5,000 pilots. But that appetite cannot be satisfied now, as more flight training schools have yet to be established. Besides, uncertainty and questions remain.
"After buying a private jet, where can I get a license? How am I to maintain it? How to apply for flying permission?... I have no idea about these things. " A Chinese audience said.
"Our country hasn’t fully opened the low altitude area yet, so I’m afraid the usage of private jets is limited." Said a Chinese audience.
China shows clear determination to boost the general aviation industry. The State Council announced a plan in May to build more airports throughout the country, which would see 500 airports by 2020. Though there’s still a long way before the industry matures, its growth and development has had a flying start.
