Duluth, MN (December 8, 2010) Zhuhai, China: As the China Air Show at Zhuhai wowed the crowds, another type of revolution in Chinese aviation was taking place at the western end of the airfield: A ceremony to mark the completion of an FBO (Fixed Base Operator) and storage/maintenance building. The 2,806 sqm hangar and facility will be based in Aviation Industrial Park in Jinwan District and will provide key services to more than 50 airplanes.
This historic development is a result of a cooperation begun over a year ago by Zhuhai City and Airport authorities along with Cirrus Aircraft. Also taking part in the ceremony was Mr. Chen Shaochang, who will be operating the facility under the name "Zhuhai Cirrus FBO." The facility, as it comes on-line will offer traditional FBO services for both based and transient aircraft yet will also be a Cirrus Aircraft Sales Center and offer Flying Club and Cirrus Service, Training and Import services.
"While general aviation traffic is still fairly low in China, limiting the potential for traditional FBO services," said Ian Bentley, Cirrus' VP and Managing Director for International Sales, "the aviation community aspects, particularly the Flying Club and training services, will allow people in the Zhuhai area to become more and more familiar with general aviation and its many benefits, and Cirrus aircraft in particular." Zhuhai Tianyi Aviation Trading Co also signed an agreement to purchase three Cirrus SR22 aircraft as part of the FBO's first group of operational aircraft.
Scott Jiang, Cirrus' China Director, added, "We expect the Zhuhai region to become the center of Cirrus activity in Guangdong Province and the surrounding area. Mr. Chen is a successful businessman and manager who will represent Cirrus Aircraft well and provide the highest standards for our mutual aircraft customers. At the opening of the FBO today, we wish him well and will look forward to strong support for his activities."
