A delegation of 17 B.C. aerospace companies will attend Airshow China 2016 in Zhuhai, led by Teresa Wat, Minister of International Trade and Minister Responsible for Asia Pacific Strategy and Multiculturalism.

Airshow China 2016 is Asia’s largest aerospace trade show, held Nov. 1-6, and is expected to attract almost half a million visitors. It offers a gateway for aviation and aerospace companies from Canada and around the world to showcase their latest technologies and products to a fast-growing Chinese market. The B.C. companies and accompanying organizations like Aerospace Industries Association of Canada – Pacific will display information at the Canada Pavilion.

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While commercial passenger traffic in China continues to grow at approximately 7% per year, the Chinese State Council recently named general aviation as the next engine to drive the Chinese economy, and some industry analysts predict growth of 15% per year in this sector. As general aviation airspace opens across China, and the number of general aviation airports increases dramatically, there will be high demand for expertise in aircraft and airport operations.

“Viking Air’s market entry into China has made great strides in 2016 with the delivery of our first two Series 400 Twin Otter aircraft,” said Dominique Spragg, Viking’s vice-president of strategic planning. “Our receipt of certification and Chinese registration has enabled the aircraft to be used for demonstration flights throughout the country. In addition, recognition of the Series 400 as a 19-passenger commuter by the Civil Aviation Administration of China, as well as the pending certification of the aircraft as a float plane, has further advanced the Twin Otter as the leading western utility and commuter aircraft for the Chinese market.”

B.C.’s aerospace sector is renowned for its long history of operating both fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft according to the highest safety standards in the world. Canadian aerospace companies have an international reputation for aviation safety generally, as well as operational efficiency, and will be promoting their expertise throughout the Airshow. The companies from B.C. attending Airshow China are looking for business opportunities in China where they can leverage this expertise with interested Chinese partners.

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British Columbia’s Ministry of International Trade works to secure B.C.’s entry into priority markets, create jobs for British Columbians and maintain the strongest economy in the country. This includes an extensive network of B.C. trade and investment representative offices worldwide, including four in China, where representatives connect B.C. businesses with new markets and trade opportunities and promote British Columbia as a stable and attractive destination for investment.

Quick Facts:

• B.C. has the third-largest aerospace industry in Canada.
• B.C.’s aerospace sector sustains 8,000 jobs directly and supports 14,300-19,800 jobs indirectly.
• Exports account for 8% of the provincial economy and one in eight jobs in B.C.
• 40% of B.C.’s exports went to Asia in 2015.
• Over the past decade, B.C. exports to Asia have increased by 300%.
• In 2015/16, B.C.’s overseas Trade and Investment network in Asia facilitated more than $960 million in foreign direct investment to B.C. creating 966 jobs, more than 130 export deals for B.C. companies, and 30 innovation partnerships.

Learn More:

https://www.britishcolumbia.ca/

http://www.airshow.com.cn/en/AboutAirshowChina/AboutAirshowChina/201608/11449.html