China has always had an extremely limited footprint in the general aviation sector for the vast size of the country. With a limited amount of airports (less than 200) and highly restrictive airspace, there hasn’t been the opportunity for much of a general aviation sector in a country that has over one billion people in it. However, over the years the Chinese economy has been catching up to the United States as the largest in the world. Moving along with China’s economy is the general aviation sector as well. An article written by the NBAA shows multiple companies, which include Cessna, Boeing, and many others, expanding their production in China. This increase in production, along with the Chinese government relaxing airspace restrictions, has poised the country for a general aviation expansion.
With this endeavor into a more aviation friendly environment the potential collaboration and competition within the aviation sector is going to increase. In the article cited above, the NBAA points to a purchase of a US piston manufacturer by a Chinese company. Although the production will remain in Alabama the purchase has allowed for further funding for the development of diesel technology with aviation applications. As the GA sector continues to expand there will undoubtedly come a time where the Chinese start moving toward their own production as they learn from more established practices.
Although China is moving into a place where general aviation might thrive, there is still a long way to go. Putting an infrastructure into place that can handle this increased demand will take time and money. As China starts down this path of expansion there are going to be many opportunities for both pilots and management in the aviation sector in China. As the economy continues to expand and with the steps of the Chinese government, the potential for aviation related jobs in China is going to be promising.
There is a major production going on in China. They are manufacturing the C919, which will compete with the Boeing 747 and A320. At the same time by 20350, Chinese airlines are expected to surpass the U.S. with 1.5 billion passengers flying. So they are on their way to making a hug impact in manufacturing and traffic, all within China's borders.
ReplyDeleteI agree. China does have a journey in regards to GA activity, however, I think that with their sense of focus and evolving technology they will thrive and could possibly surpass the US.
ReplyDeleteDo you think that companies such as Cessna, an, in my opinion, a very americanized company will outsource to Chinese plants? WIll this in turn make planes that are being sold in the US cheaper as they are going to be using Chinese labor, under the watchfull eye of the FAA and other transportation agencies?. Also with the Chinese population going up, do you think that the need for air travel will unrestrict much of Chinas airspace and open it up for GA flight?
ReplyDeleteI also read that Boeing own projections are that China will be buying a ton of new aircraft over the next 20 years. I believe our GA is much stronger and will continue to stay strong over China's.
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