Shanghai Sikorsky Aircraft Corp, a joint venture by Shanghai Little Eagle Science and Technology Co Ltd -- a local private business -- and the United States-based Sikorsky Aircraft Corp is to start production possibly in September, according to Cai Yan, a publicity official with the new company. The venture had its business licence approved by the General Administration of Civil Aviation of China (CAAC) last Friday.

By the end of this year, six two- or three-seat helicopters will roll off the production line, said Cai.

The helicopters to be produced, valued between US$200,000 to US$250,000, will be sold to qualified organizations and individuals, according to Cai.

The CAAC has set out rules under which purchasers must engage eligible institutions to maintain the aircraft and they need an approved pilot's licence to fly.

"Qualified individuals can apply for such a light aircraft in the name and under the supervision of a domestic general aviation company," said Cai.

Besides, light helicopters can be widely used in areas such as afforestation, agriculture and emergency flight services like fire-fighting and salvage, according to the company.

Three helicopters have been ordered in advance by a domestic flight-training school as well as local forestry authorities but there are so far no individual buyers, the company said.

"We are quite optimistic about the market potential for light helicopters here in China," said Cai.

The US Sikorsky Aircraft Corp, one of the world's leading aircraft manufacturers which is also known for its military aircraft products, has been preparing to take a bite of China's civil aircraft market since the beginning of this year.

"We perceive a big boom for the country's light aircraft market," said Teng Wei, chairman of the board of directors with Sikorsky's partner, Shanghai Little Eagle Science and Technology Co Ltd.

Currently, Shanghai Sikorsky Aircraft Co is the country's only non-State-owned aircraft manufacturer.

In addition, there are only two State-owned enterprises and a State research institution that design and produce light helicopters in China.

(China Daily August 21, 2002)