The mainland's first fixed-base operator service for private jets was launched in Zhuhai, Guangdong province, last week, which insiders called a breakthrough in the second year of China's reform of airspace management.

But the boom of the private jet sector is yet to come, they said, demanding more policy support from the government and more investment in infrastructure by industry players.

A fixed-base operator usually provides aircraft sales, storage, repair and maintenance, and sales of aircraft parts, among other services.

Chen Shaochang, general manager of Zhuhai Xirui General Aviation Company, which launched the service, said it will open more fixed-base operator facilities in Shenyang, Dandong, Jilin and Daqing in Northeast China in the following years.

A network of 40 such facilities is expected to take shape by 2020, which will facilitate those who commute between cities in private jets, he said.

Previously, companies would sell aircraft, plane parts and fuel, but most stopped short of providing other services such as aircraft repair and maintenance.

"Most companies do not want to invest in such facilities, because they are afraid of losing money with so little business nowadays," said Jiang Li, chief China representative of US plane maker Cirrus.

Staff workers of Zhuhai Xirui General Aviation Company transport a Cirrus aircraft in Zhuhai, Guangdong province, on Friday. Zhong Fan / for China Daily