Piper Aircraft named Piper Summit Aircraft China Ltd., Beijing, as the aircraft manufacturer’s authorized dealer in China for sales of new Meridian single-engine turboprop aircraft. The new Piper dealer conducted a number of Meridian demonstrations for potential customers as the airplane flew enroute for display at Air Show China 2012 held this month in Zhuhai.
"With more than 1.3 billion people, stretching from eastern Asia to the South China Sea, China already has more than 450 airports and a rapidly expanding aviation infrastructure," said Piper President and CEO Simon Caldecott.
"Consequently, we are pleased to bring on an excellent Chinese dealer for Piper Aircraft. The principals of Piper Summit Aircraft China Ltd. have a brilliant aviation track record and an outstanding business plan to grow Piper’s influence in this important developing region."
Heading Piper Summit Aircraft China Ltd. will be Chief Executive Officer Jack Chan and President Aaron Gao, who posses broad business, investment and technical backgrounds in China in addition to experience in the general aviation industry.
"The annual growth rate for piston and turboprop aircraft operating in China is approaching 40 percent, reaching 1,700 aircraft by the start of this year. With the gradual opening of airspace in China, we expect to assist Piper in winning a large share of a market estimated to grow by another 6,000 aircraft by 2015," Chan said.
"The GA market in China is definitely taking off, especially in the remote and underdeveloped Western areas, and with Piper’s rich 75 Year history and current product line of high quality aircraft, we see this as a "win-win’ situation for Chinese Operators and Piper and Piper Summit Aircraft China," he added.
Gao said, "We are not only selling new Piper aircraft, we are providing a "Total GA" solution to our clients and operators, including financial options, crewing, and servicing and maintenance."
For what is believed to be the first Piper Meridian product tour in China. Piper Summit Aircraft China conducted customer demonstrations between Chengdu and Kunming and from Kunming into Zhuhai, enroute to Air Show China 2012.
