China General Aviation

On February 28, 2012, China Aviation Industry General Aircraft Co. Ltd. (CAIGA) purchased the Duluth-based aircraft Cirrus Design. Cirrus was previously majority-owned by Arcapita, a Bahrain-based investment company which acquired the stake in 2001. The relationship between CAIGA and Cirrus first began by the sharing of a worldwide growth vision. According to Cirrus CEO Brent Wouters, CAIGA has the resources that will allow Cirrus to expedite its aircraft development and to accelerate the global expansion of Cirrus. This may have ramifications here in the United States. Now along with the major car manufactures, another American company will be developing their products in a foreign country. With the debates about patriotism and commercial sales here in the States at a rise, this company will be added to the increasing list that is sending their shares to another country.

There are many reasons for the rapid growth of the Chinese general aviation industry. First and foremost, nothing like this previously existed within the country. There were only a very few registered aircraft throughout the years prior to this expanse. The Chinese government has recognized this expansion and has been developing numerous policies including opening low-altitude airspace specifically for general aviation operations. Another reason is the demand for business aircraft. Corporations and citizens are in the need of additional modes of transportation and aviation is a booming sector. This will result in a much needed supply of a national airspace system that is used by not only the Chinese military.

I feel that the Chinese must use a stable, proven platform to develop their expanding general aviation industry. The United States has had a viable system in place for years and the Chinese would like to use this as an example. The problem will be the integration of the military and the civilian general aviation, which was the problem here in the States as well when it too expanded its general aviation after World War II. This will also allow manufacturers to limit their production costs. With the car makers leading the path, the general aviation manufacturers will follow suit. 

I feel that career opportunities will be limited within the continental United States due to the outsourcing of general aviation manufacturers. The less jobs will mean less profit being generated here within the States. On the other side, there will be a sharp increase in the career opportunities that will arise within other counties. These developing infrastructures will require qualified personnel to maintain their daily flight operations. Certified Flight Instructors will be needed on a global scale teaching many people that are brand new to the aviation industry. This is cause an increase in available jobs worldwide, but also a decrease of available pilots within our own borders.