China to boost development of general aviation industry

A Boeing 747 passenger jet of Air China takes off from the Beijing Capital International Airport in Beijing, China, February 11, 2016. [Photo/IC]

BEIJING -- China is set to boost development of its general aviation industry to create a market worth more than one trillion yuan ($153.8 billion) by 2020.

The country will build new general aviation airports, bringing the total number to more than 500 by 2020. China will also support the opening of low-altitude airspace and promote research and manufacturing in the sector, according to a guideline issued by the State Council, China's cabinet.

It also plans to increase the number of general aircraft, including helicopters and private jets, to more than 5,000 by 2020.

The State Council said the country will encourage private investment in the sector, boost pilot training and expand the use of general aircraft in disaster relief, emergency medical services, environmental monitoring as well as national land and resources exploration.

By 2015, China had 1,874 general aircraft and more than 300 airports to handle them.