Chengdu’s new facility targets business jets and low-altitude aircraft
Business aviation and the low-altitude economy are set for a boost in south west China following the operational launch of the Chengdu Fixed Base Operator (FBO).
Launched at the end of June and operated by the newly formed Sichuan Huahui Business Aviation Services Company, the facility is intended to serve as a regional hub for business aviation and a new benchmark for low-altitude economic development
It spans 5,500 square metres and has 20 dedicated parking spots for private jets and is located at Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport.
It is hoped that individuals arriving by private jet will then be able to continue their journey by transferring to an eVTOL or other low-altitude aircraft.
In which case, it seems to be launching at right time. While it is hard to ascertain how many private jets are in China, Stratos Jet Charters estimated that in 2019 before Covid there were 287 business aviation jets in the country, the most in Asia, with their popularity soaring since the many lockdowns
Meanwhile, the low-altitude economy is also strong in china, with data released by the Civil Aviation Administration of China showing there were 689 general aviation companies in China with 3,173 registered general aviation aircraft and 451 general aviation airports as of the end of 2023.
Also by the end of 2023, there were approximately 2,000 drone design and manufacturing units in China, nearly 20,000 operating companies, and 1.267 million registered drones domestically.
Estimates from relevant institutions suggest that China’s low-altitude economy exceeded renminbi (RMB) 500 billion in 2023 and is expected to reach RMB 2 trillion by 2030.
Sichuan Huahui Business Aviation Services general manager De Yongheng said that Chengdu’s advantageous geographical location and efficient transportation network have laid a solid foundation for Chengdu to become a regional aviation hub.
He added that Chengdu FBO will provide robust support for the development of the low-altitude economy by optimising airport connections and air travel services, aiming to become a demonstration point for urban air traffic in Southwest China and ultimately establish itself as a comprehensive hub integrating business aviation and the low-altitude economy in China.
