Aviation firms spread wings in Africa to bring better air services

The Y12 series aircraft is a light and general purpose aircraft. The high wing two-engine aircraft can be used for passenger and cargo transportation, as well as for parachute jumping and touring, according to a report by Xinhua News Agency.

The Y12 is made by Harbin Aircraft Industry Group Co Ltd, an AVIC subsidiary.

In June, Tanzanian Deputy Minister of Transport Charles Tizeba told the county's National Assembly that the government planned to acquire Y12E planes that can carry 18 passengers each for Air Tanzania Co Ltd with Chinese financial support. Air Tanzania also has shown interest in the ARJ21.

In Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, in May, Premier Li Keqiang proposed the implementation of a China-Africa regional aviation cooperation program, including support for Chinese enterprises to establish joint venture airlines in African nations and use Chinese-made airplanes to improve regional connections.

Li reiterated those points as important goals on Dec 4 during the visit to China by South African President Jacob Zuma. Aviation giant AVIC is expected to play an important role in realizing Li's vision.

More than 30 aircraft made by AVIC were presented at the Zhuhai air show, while 17 aircraft purchase agreements were signed and several aircraft delivery ceremonies were held.

Purchase agreements involved civil aircraft such as the Y12, the LE500 light training aircraft, 56-seater MA60, the ARJ21 and the C919, a family of 158-174 seat narrow-body airliners under development.

Harbin Aircraft also announced the signing of a contract with a US airline company to sell 20 Y12 series aircraft to the firm, Xinhua reported.

The aircraft will be used for sightseeing tours and cargo transport from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon. It would be the first time for China to export civil aircraft to the United States.

Xue says it is "believed to be a signal that Chinese aircraft manufacturing capability has been regarded as a leading one by the global market".

HAIG has sold 130 of its Y12 series aircraft to more than 20 countries and regions worldwide.

AVIC International Holding Corp, the largest Chinese State-owned aerospace company, has a network of 80 branches throughout China, the Asia Pacific, Europe, America and Africa.

AVIC was started in 1951 as the Aviation Industry Administration Commission and has assets of about $110 billion. It is not only an aircraft and helicopter manufacturer, but also a major supplier to other leading global aircraft manufacturers such as Boeing and Airbus.