Several flight training companies are trying to open commercial pilot schools in China with local partners in response to soaring demand from Chinese airlines.
Industry sources say Pan Am International Flight Academy (PAIFA) and CAE are seeking to open schools in Hubei and Guangdong provinces, respectively. Both have partnered with former executives of major Chinese airlines, who are helping with regulatory approvals and wooing potential customers.
Sources say PAIFA has selected the Diamond DA40 as its primary trainer with initial delivery scheduled for July. A Diamond source confirms this will be the first Diamond aircraft in China and says the manufacturer is now seeking Chinese certification.
Several new schools could open by year-end with ab initio courses if they can line up the necessary support from the government and airlines. But sources warn the government is reluctant to approve the schools to protect its own flying academy and several Chinese airlines are also trying to open their own schools. Hainan Airlines and Shangdong Airlines, for example, are seeking government approval to open pilot training academies this year to complement their existing simulation centres.
BRENDAN SOBIE / SINGAPORE
Source: Flight International
