Big growth expected in general aviation

China will need about 10,000 light aircraft within the next five years to accommodate the general aviation sector's rapid expansion, an industry insider said.

"This is not a daydream. The number is forecast based on our market calculation. The light aircraft is something like the private car - 15 years ago, most Chinese people dared not believe they would have one or more, but it has now become common in Chinese families," said Pan Linwu, executive vice-president of AVIC International Holding Corp.

"The nation is witnessing the takeoff of the general aviation industry, which always begins with light aircraft because they form the largest part of the global general aviation fleet," he said. "Every student pilot starts by flying light aircraft that are usually powered by piston engines."