Baotou will ally with LISA Airplanes on developing AKOYA amphibious skiplanes, reports Baotou Daily.

The project will be established at the airport in Shiguai district, which is under construction, and covers an area of 373 hectares. Apart from the R&D and manufacturing of the AKOYA amphibious skiplanes, Baotou will join forces with LISA Airplanes in fields including developing low-altitude air sightseeing tours and pilot training, according to the agreement.

A total of 3.6 billion yuan ($245 million) will be spent on the project.

AKOYA is an amphibious skiplane manufactured by LISA Airplanes. [Photo/youth.cn]

Baotou, the largest industrial city of North China’s Inner Mongolia autonomous region, is making every effort in boosting the prestige of its aviation industry by encouraging investment and furthering cooperation with aviation companies.

The city co-launched the first drone training center in the autonomous region with Xinhua, one of the biggest and most influential media organizations in China, in July. The center provides training courses on the correct procedures for operating drones to monitor the forest.

The city’s other plans include hosting flying competitions, launching general aviation training courses and purchasing the Robinson R-44 in 2017 to offer air sightseeing tours.

LISA Airplanes is a French high-end aircraft manufacturer founded in 2004. The most famous product of the company is AKOYA. The AKOYA is a single engine light aircraft. It is a two-seat amphibious skiplane, capable of landing on land, water or snow without adaptation.

AKOYA produced by LISA Airplanes during a trial flight [Photo/youth.cn]

AKOYA performs a water landing. [Photo/ provided by agencies]