China Economic Review
Charting China’s changing economic terrain · Since 1990
Airspace opening up for general aviation
October 29, 2009
A pilot project to relax airspace restrictions around a Shaanxi province industrial park could be a welcome boost to the further development of China’s aviation industry.The move relaxes military control of the low altitude airspace around the Pucheng general aviation industrial park, opening it up for a wider range of flights.
Jin Qiansheng, director of the managing committee of Xi’an Yanliang National Aviation Hi-Tech Industrial Base, said, "It means general aviation flights within the designated area no longer need to apply to the Air Force for permission," saidGeneral aviation refers to flights other than military and scheduled airline flights. It includes civilian flights as well as rescue, offshore exploration and aerial photography. The project could open up the skies to private jets, helicopters and other aircraft.
Except for designated commercial routes, airspace over the Mainland is under the administration of the Air Force. General aviation planes and private jets have to apply for permission from the Air Force.
China Daily reported CAAC encourages overseas investment in general aviation companies and supports individual ownership of private jets. But the inconvenience of using the airspace and the resulting lack of air and ground services have restricted the development of the sector.