Italian Aerospace Network set for China take-off

The Italian Aerospace Network announced it was set for take-off in China as it prepares to offer training, material support and spare parts to the aviation industry.

The network is mostly comprised of medium to small-sized enterprises. Established in August, it has eight members with annual turnover of 250 million euros ($338 million) .

Reccardo Coli, cofounder of the network, moved to China in 2007. He travels frequently in China and is now based in Xi'an, China's major aero center.

Coli said exports from Italy to China surged to 111 million euros in 2012 from the 30 million euros a year before. "That's one important reason that I decided to start an aerospace network, as the Chinese market is expanding so quickly," he says.

The network focuses on spare parts, maintenance and material support.

Andrea Spiriti, founder of Neos and Aviotrace Swiss SA, a member of the network, said flexibility is an essential part of being an SME in the aviation industry.

"Our philosophy is to be near our customers," he said. "Now China's aviation industry is taking off, so based on our philosophy, we move here," he said, adding that their clients in China include AVIC and COMAC. The company now has a presence in seven countries with more than 400 employees.

Tian Baohua, a member of the Policy Consultation Committee at the Ministry of Transport, said it is the right time for Italian SMEs in the aerospace sector to enter China.

"China's cargo aviation has been surging by 15 percent in the last few years, but general aviation has been stagnating for many years due to restrictions on low-altitude airspace," he said.

"But the government is sending out positive signs of gradually opening up flight space."