HNA General Aviation Investment Group in China is outlining plans to broaden its investement in general aviation, including building industrial hubs and general aviation airports in rural provinces in China and expanding training and tourism. The plans fall in line with initiatives discussed during the 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China to foster economic development in poorer regions by investing in areas such as transportation, infrastructure, and services, HNA General Aviation said.
“Thus, the company is targeting strategic investments across rural China in the building and management of airports, logistics infrastructure, and tourism activities,” HNA General Aviation said, estimating that general aviation will contribute more than RMB$1 trillion ($150 billion) to the Chinese economy by 2020.
HNA General Aviation signed partnerships with local governments in Xinjiang, Anhui, and Gansu, among others, for the development of infrastructure and general aviation resources. “The company promises to reduce transportation and logistics costs, and to ease access to general aviation services for key activities including forestry, agriculture, land exploration, energy production, disaster relief, and protection of natural areas,” HNA said.
As part of its efforts to foster tourism, HNA said plans call for it to expand its Beijing Capital Helicopter air tour business. In addition, HNA is investing in HNA Aviation Academy flight training centers across China.
