Aviation takes off in Shanxi in wake of launch

Shanxi province saw its general aviation debut flight take off on April 30, marking the official launch of the province's general aviation sector. 

General aviation is the term covering all forms of civil aviation operations apart from the big passenger jets of commercial air transport. It is the private air transport and recreational flying arm of aviation. 

Four short-distance air routes and three low-flying tourism programs were launched during the event. 

With Taiyuan as its center, Yaocheng General aviation Airport opened the Taiyuan-Datong, Taiyuan-Lyuliang, Taiyuan-Yuncheng and Taiyuan-Changzhi short-distance air services which use small planes like the Quest Kodiak 100, DHC-6 Series 400 and the Beechcraft King Air 350. 

The low-flying tourism programs consist of helicopter traveling over Hukou Waterfall, the Taihang Mountain Grand Canyon, and Yanmen Pass. 

Shanxi General Aviation Group undertook the first flight tasks and Shanxi General Aviation Operation Control Center was responsible for the general aviation services and security guarantees. 

Officials said the event was of great importance to the development of the general aviation industry and creation of a modern comprehensive transport system in Shanxi province, which received approval to be a national demonstration province for the development of China’s general aviation industry earlier in January. 

The province is now expected to help advance the evolution of general aviation, airport network construction and the development of general aviation industrial parks.