China’s general aviation environment criticised by Ningbo officials who blame military oversight, bureaucratic hurdles

After a seven-year delay in the groundbreaking for Ningbo’s first new general aviation airport, local officials are pushing back with urgent calls for change

New report also points to a lack of general aircraft manufacturers, weak demand for general aviation services and slow progress in deregulating airspace for civilian use

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Local-level authorities in Ningbo say a “sense of urgency” is lacking in the development of China’s general aviation environment, which includes private jets. Photo: China Foto Press

Published: 9:30pm, 29 Nov 2022

A major port and industrial hub in eastern China says 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 on Thursday, 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 that the construction of a new airport in Hangzhou Bay had been postponed for nearly seven years as a result. Its construction finally started last year, according to Ningbo authorities.

The difficulties highlighted by the Ningbo government 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.