Chongqing -  A Pilatus PC-12 aircraft recently took off from Liangping Airport and landed at Qianjiang Airport, marking the first flight of a general aviation short-haul route in Chongqing. 

The Pilatus PC-12 aircraft in Liangping Airport. (Photo/VIsual Chongqing)

Southwest China’s Chongqing covers an area of approximately 82,402 square kilometers and is divided into 38 districts and counties. A short-haul route provides convenient and quick access to areas within the region, enhancing overall transportation efficiency and connectivity.

The debut of 10 pilot routes in Chongqing addresses the city’s short-haul route gap. This eight-seat aircraft belongs to Asian Express Aviation, a Chinese agent, and cooperates with Pilatus Aircraft of Stans, Switzerland, along with China Feidi Technology, a local company that runs their joint business in Chongqing.

The price for a single flight is equally 179 yuan (USD 25.2). Pass can be ordered on China’s popular travel websites and the company’s official WeChat account.

Wang Cong, the marketing manager of China Feidi Technology, revealed to Bridging News that after four days of operation, the attendance is average 90%, with 28 seats served (including crew members) for a route in a day.

“The opening of this route has opened up an air corridor between Liangping and southeastern Chongqing, further laying the foundation for Liangping to strengthen its general aviation industry,” said an officer from the Liangping District on the launching day.

General aviation short-haul transport uses small aircraft, operates on concise routes, and covers short distances, offering an efficient travel option for remote areas and complementing the main aviation network.

According to the Civil Aviation Administration of China, as of September 2023, China has more than 400 general aviation airports, 710 general aviation companies, and 3,493 aircraft. From January to November 2023, national short-haul transport companies transported nearly 53,000 passengers, a year-on-year increase of 127.1%.

In support of general aviation, the Chinese government issued policies and regulations. In 2022, the Civil Aviation Administration issued the 14th Five-Year Plan for Civil Aviation Development, which outlines the active development of general aviation short-haul transportation. The Civil Aviation Administration recently issued the Administrative Measures for General Aviation Short-Haul Transport Operation Services, which will take effect on May 1, 2024.

These measures encourage participation in connected operations, clarify enterprise management requirements regarding operational qualifications, route records, and passenger services, and reflect the government’s commitment to fostering a favorable environment for the general aviation industry.

Wang said that policies are the primary driving force for the current growth of the general aviation industry. Their company was attracted by the preferential policies of Chongqing’s government and planned to expand their business in Chongqing further, then make a footprint in other western provinces like Yunnan, Sichuan, and Guizhou.

(Fan Hongyi, as an intern, also contributed to this report)