Search China Travel News:

China's fast-growing economy and easing of restrictions on civil flights are spurring demand for private aviation, China Daily's TAN RUI learns

Now that holding a driving license has lost its glamour. There are 2 million vehicles on the streets of Beijing alone, after all trendsetters are looking for something new.

And things are looking up quite literally for adventurous types looking for a new thrill.

"China is at the threshold of a rapid growth in civil aviation, said Zhao Mingyu, director of the Administration Centre of the Sports Aeronautics, Radio and Model under the State Sport General Administration. He is also vice-chairman of the Aero Sports Federation of China.

Not long ago, the first domestic light plane developed for commercial use and individual pleasure was put on the market after completing a successful trial flight. On May 1, the State Council and the Central Military Committee of the People's Liberation Army issued a new regulation on general aviation, lifting many of the complicated procedures and prohibitions which seriously restricted civil flight. Both have been regarded as promising signs for an upsurge in private ownership of planes amongst ordinary people, albeit relatively wealthy ones.

"As economic development reaches a certain point, the need for individuals to fly will come out naturally and definitely see a robust increase, Zhao predicted confidently. "It is an inevitable tendency in a well developed economy as people will have more diversified demands for transportation and excitement.

Compared with countries which have a long experience in civil aviation, individual flight in China is still in its infancy and the use of light planes is relatively limited.

Explained Zhao: "Private flying is a small part of general aviation, which includes all kinds of aeroplanes apart from large passenger and cargo jets. The wide use of general aviation to meet people's different transportation needs will save much waste of other transportation resources and play a vital role in the development of a country's economy.

"Like a stoplight at a crossroad, the yellow light is on now for general aviation. The green light is just a matter of time, which will certainly spark an unprecedented page in China's aviation history. Imagine someday you can travel only with your families and friends on board a plane at your control or feel the excitement of flying in the air by yourself, wouldn't that be wonderful.