GippsAERO, the Australian manufacturer of the GA8 Airvan, and Jinggong Aviation launched a sales distribution and support program for Mainland 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 Mainland China, which is forecast to expand at a rate of 20 percent annually. Under the agreement, GippsAERO will work with the CAAC (Civil Aviation Administration of China) to certify both the naturally-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.
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 transportation, corporate travel, freight and servicing a growing market in tourism operations.
Mrs Marguerite Morgan, GippsAERO’s Regional Manager China’ said that with Airvan flying in 38 countries worldwide, they 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 with its low operating cost, high useful load, ability to operate off grass and undeveloped airstrips and outstanding versatility.
CEO of GippsAERO, Dr Terry Miles said they are delighted to be working with Jinggong Aviation to develop the Chinese market. China Jinggong Group is a world-class organisation with an excellent reputation in aviation. Miles said they are confident of their ability to establish a highly effective sales, distribution and support network across Mainland China.
Certified in 2000 in Australia and FAA certified in 2003, there are currently over 160 GA8 Airvans in active service globally, working across tourism, air charter, freight, aerial survey and private operations.
GippsAERO is also well underway in development programs for both a 10 seat turbo-prop (first flight 2011, CASA certification early 2013) and an 18 seat twin turbo-prop aircraft (CASA certification 2014), and will work with Jinggong to add these aircraft to the range available in China.
