Ningbo seeks urgency in airport hub development
A major port and industrial hub in the east said there must be “a sense of urgency” in the development of its general aviation industry, following a series of setbacks in Beijing’s bid to become a key player in the global civil aviation market.
“[We will] broaden our horizons, innovate and actively learn from the experience of advanced provinces and cities,” the government of Ningbo, in Zhejiang province, said in a report outlining its plans.
The report, posted to the local government website, said Ningbo had failed to build any airports specialising in general aviation flights, citing the military’s control of China’s airspace, and an abundance of bureaucracy when dealing with the provincial government and the aviation regulator – all of which are involved in such approvals. General aviation refers to flights other than those of the military or scheduled airlines, and it includes light aircraft such as private jets and helicopters.
“Both the pre- and post-approval process is strict, and it takes a long time to go through,” the report said, adding the construction of an airport in Hangzhou Bay had been postponed for seven years as a result.
Its construction finally started last year, according to Ningbo authorities.
The difficulties highlighted by Ningbo reflect similar challenges facing other regions when it comes to helping China grow its general aviation industry into a major player – an intention outlined in Beijing’s economic plans.
Local governments play an important role in developing supply chains and new industries, and they help bring foreign investment to China. But many have been blamed for wasteful spending, as well as controversial trade practices.
Ningbo’s report also said a lack of general aircraft manufacturers, weak demand for general aviation services and slow progress in deregulating airspace for civilian use have stalled the development of the industry there.
“General aviation in Ningbo is still in its infancy. Due to the lag in the construction of the general aviation airport, it mainly operates helicopters in scattered areas, and its business scope is limited to air tours and temporary emergency rescues,” the report said.
It added general aviation is bogged down by “layers of approvals, multiple steps and high coordination costs”.
“It is difficult to satisfy the demand for mobility and timeliness in general aviation, and this restricts the industry’s development,” the report added.
The assessment also comes amid China’s failure to meet some goals set forth in its 13th five-year plan (2016-20). According to the Civil Aviation Administration of China, there are 339 certified general aviation airports – below the 500 anticipated in 2016.
China also has just 2,892 registered general aviation aircraft, compared with 3,500 called for in the same development plan.
As a result, both targets have been carried over into the 14th five-year plan (2021-25).
Growth prospects for China’s general aviation remain robust, according to the International Trade Administration in the US, as the central government has committed to gradually allow access to low-altitude airspace, and to streamline the examination, approval and record-keeping needs for general aviation flights.