Business aviation in China is growing. Currently there are approximately 8,000 business aircraft operations annually at Beijing Capital Airport and 3,800 at Shanghai Hongqiao and Pudong Airports. To meet these increasing demands there are nearly 220 new airports being planned or under construction in China.With business travel continuing to increase, the current airport cannot handle the additional traffic. The need for an airport near Beijing’s hub is critical for the expected growth trend.
Business Aviation Potential
Projections estimate Chinese aircraft registrations to exceed 10,000 by 2024. That rapid growth will create tremendous opportunities for the world’s aircraft manufacturers, sellers and maintainers. Superior Aviation Group has a solution: Superior Aviation Town.
Timothy Archer, Superior Aviation Group CEO, says Superior Aviation Town and Executive Airport is the first “town” being created to meet the needs of companies looking to be a part of China’s general and business aircraft industries. It is located just 12.4 miles east of Beijing Capital Airport, in the southwestern section of the Shunyi District. Plans are for the airport to handle upward of 10,000 operations in 2017 and increase to 20,000 in the year 2020.
Superior Aviation Town will encompass nearly 1,970 acres with an estimated cost of more than $3.2 billion. The project is invested and being operated by Superior Freesky Investment Management Co. Ltd. The total land available for the airport covers more than 741 acres, which will house one 50-acre core area; 36 acres for the runway, taxiways and apron; a 38,000-square-foot executive FBO/terminal; a 6,500-square-foot air traffic control building; and one 7,800-foot main runway with a 190-foot width to meet the needs of a variety of aircraft. The initial ramp area will be able to hold 50 business aircraft with plans to increase it to 150.
Aviation-friendly Infrastructure
One of the biggest challenges facing companies wishing to enter the Chinese market is finding an aviation-friendly infrastructure. The Town is being developed to provide the right setting and facilities to provide a virtually seamless entry into this developing market.
Superior Aviation Town’s general aviation R&D and manufacturing center will offer land for R&D, manufacturing, or assembly facilities; a duty-free zone; after-sale services support facilities; and technical translation capabilities. Sites are available in a variety of plot sizes with the largest being 574,000 square feet.
Superior Aviation Group holds both Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) aviation quality management (bilateral) system certificates which will help ease technical and production approvals.
To ensure a constant pool of trained workers, Superior Aviation Freesky Investment Management Co. Ltd. is in the process of an agreement with the Beijing Modern Polytechnic College to open three new majors including pilot training, aircraft manufacturing, and aircraft repair and maintenance.
Product Showcase
Superior Aviation Town will feature two dedicated sales and demonstration facilities: The Superior Aviation Town exhibition center and Superior Aviation Town aircraft factory showrooms.
Located near the Jingping Expressway, and served by an on-site train station, the exhibition center will be a full-time display and exhibition facility.
Taking the Chinese culture and local customs into consideration, the dedicated aircraft factory showrooms will provide a convenient and efficient way for customers to compare and experience different models of aircraft. Located near the Executive Airport, the showrooms will make it easy and convenient for demonstration flights and aircraft deliveries.
How to match life style and social needs?
An aero club will be the center of all flight training and aviation-themed social activities. The modern flight school will have a pilot store, classrooms, flight simulators, and privately owned aircraft available for rent. Club members, who are aircraft owners, may also take advantage of on-site aircraft management and service offerings. it will offer exclusive VIP memberships which will enable members to enjoy a private social setting, including a destination-style restaurant, social club, and lounge.
For Superior Aviation Town to live up to its goals the development not only has to deliver the right infrastructure and services, it also has to provide their employees and visitors with an exceptional array of housing, lifestyle, and recreational options.
There will be a state-of-the-art municipal infrastructure, as well as high-end educational, health care, dining, entertainment, and recreational facilities. The master plan includes upscale apartments, high-end office buildings, signature international hotel groups, luxury automobile dealerships, duty-free and boutique shops, and other top-level services and products. Plans call for restaurants, pubs, swimming pools, parks, walking trails, gymnasiums, stores, and entertainment. The goal is to provide a life-enhancing setting for all residents and visitors.
Superior Aviation Town — an ambitious undertaking with vast potential for manufacturers and consumers alike and a reason to celebrate.