Cessna Aircraft has secured orders from four companies in China for Skyhawk training aircraft, Cessna parent company Textron Aviation announced April 13.
General aviation is growing in China thanks to the opening of low-altitude airspace for civilian use. Hubei Sky Blue International Aviation Academy, Shanghai Avieye GA, Zhejiang Avieast GA, and Shandong Hairuo GA recently placed orders for Cessna 172 Skyhawks to be used for training.
“The Cessna Skyhawk is the world’s most popular and technologically advanced flight training aircraft, and we are pleased to see operators in China recognizing its capabilities,” said Kevin Wu, vice president of International Sales, Greater China and Mongolia Region, in a media release. “The opening of China’s low-altitude airspace has boosted the pilot training market, attracting an increasing number of general aviation companies into this area.”
Hubei Sky Blue International Aviation Academy will add five of the four-seat trainers to its current fleet of 18 Skyhawks. The Part 141 flight training provider offers training for the private, commercial, and airline transport pilot certificates. Shanghai Avieye GA has ordered two Skyhawks, one in a standard configuration and the other on amphibious floats, to begin private and commercial pilot training. The Part 91 general aviation operator also flies a Cessna Grand Caravan EX single-engine utility turboprop to support aerial mapping missions, according to Textron.
Zhejiang Avieast GA in the Zhejiang province ordered two Skyhawks for training as well as two Turbo Stationair T206Hs for tourism flights, the company added. Shandong Hairuo GA also ordered two Cessna Skyhawks, which it will use in Part 141 training.