GippsAero launches China program

GippsAERO and Jinggong Aviation have launched a sales distribution and support program for China at the inaugural China International General Aviation Convention (CIGAC) in Xi’an, China.

The dealer agreement has been established as a response to meet the growing needs of the general aviation market in China, which is forecast to expand at a rate of 20 per cent per year.

Under the agreement, GippsAERO will work with the Civil Aviation Administration of China to certify both the normally-aspirated GA8 and turbo-charged GA8-TC 320 Airvans in China.

Jinggong will establish a new dealership based in Xi’an, and will support the market with sales, maintenance and support facilities.

GippsAERO’s Regional Manager China, Marguerite Morgan, said, “With Airvan flying in 38 countries worldwide, we are proud to be working with Jinggong to now introduce Airvan to China and establish a sales and distribution network for the region.

"The Airvan is ideally suited for this market. It’s low operating cost, high useful load, ability to operate off grass and undeveloped airstrips and outstanding versatility make it an excellent platform for local operators”.

As the general aviation market in China grows, the companies expect to see opportunities for the GA8 Airvan and GippsAERO’s new aircraft in aerial survey, regional transport, corporate travel, freight and tourism operations.

Jinggong Aviation, part of the China Jinggong Group, dedicates itself to aviation manufacture and service and covers subordinate companies Shanghai Little Eagle Science ? Technology Co, Ltd, Shanghai Sikorsky Aircraft Co, Ltd, Jinggong (Beijing) General Aviation Co, Ltd, and Shanghai Heli General Aviation Co, Ltd.