Aviation industry awaits opportunities

Republic of Singapore Air Force's Black Knights perform a manoeuvre during an aerial display at the Singapore Airshow February 12, 2014.[Photo/Agencies]

SINGAPORE - Some of the industry players from China are already marketing utility aircraft for pilot training at the ongoing Singapore Airshow, even as experts say the reforms in low altitude airspace management are still "relatively slower" than what the members of the public want.

A Chinese company that operates a private-run aviation industry park from the eastern province of Jiangsu on Thursday presented the AT-3 two-seat utility aircraft manufactured by Poland-based Aero AT, which has been acquired by the Chinese company.

The Aero AT-3 is a two-seat utility aircraft typically used for pilot training purposes.

The Chinese company is also building a plant in China to capture opportunities it sees in the general aviation sector.

"We expect many people training to get pilot licenses in China if the low altitude airspace restrictions are removed. The pilots flying commercial aircraft would have to start training with small planes, too," said Steven Zhang, director of the company.

China has announced reforms in recent years to loosen airspace control. The airlines nowadays mostly do not have to seek approval from the military before they take off. The reforms are expected to unleash demand in the general aviation sector -- mostly smaller, private aircraft flying in low altitude airspace.

Aero AT is also considering manufacturing slightly bigger aircraft for the Chinese market, said Walter Jankowski, chief executive officer of the Poland-based company.

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