This Day, That Year

Item from March 31, 1999, in China Daily: A new Beech-jet 200A business jet imported from the United States by Hainan Airlines draws the attention of business travelers. Hainan Airlines is the first Chinese company to offer business flights within Asia.

China has launched home-grown business jets, such as the ones developed by China Aviation Industry General Aircraft displayed at last year's China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition in Zhuhai, Guangdong province.

Industry analysts point to the huge potential for business aviation in the world's second-largest economy, with general aviation airplanes or helicopters providing chartered business trips.