Chinese aviation firm helps connect Africa

AVIC and its subsidiaries form important part of growing joint effort to bring expanded air service

The footprint in Africa of the Aviation Industry Corporation of China has grown as its presence has expanded in 10 national markets, with its products used by flag carriers, government operators and others.

The latest big push was during the 10th China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition, held in November in the southern port city of Zhuhai, Guangdong province.

The Aviation Industry Corp of China has expanded its presence in Africa. Provided to China Daily

There, a deal for delivery of three Chinese-built ARJ21 planes was sealed by the Republic of Congo, also known as Congo-Brazzaville, the first African country to order the new plane.

ARJ21 is short for Advanced Regional Jet for the 21st Century, a new, twin-engine turbofan for a short to medium range jet. The plane is built by the Commercial Aircraft Corp of China Ltd, in which AVIC is a major shareholder.

Congo's Ministry of Transport signed a purchase agreement for three ARJ21-700 aircraft, including two regional jet models and one business aircraft.

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.

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.

HAIG has sold 130 units 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 global 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 aircraft manufacturers such as Boeing and Airbus.

For China Daily

By Abduel Elinaza (China Daily Africa)