Kunming is one of a few prefecture-level cities in China, and is the capitan of Yunnan province.  With a population of 6.5 million, Kunming appears ahead of its fellow states and cities with an ambitious general aviation plan.  This week they have announced the intention to build a GA airfield from scratch, and intend purchasing 15 helicopters in a trip to the US and Canada starting 20th June.  While no helicopter types have been discussed yet, they have earmarked anything from $20 to $80 million for these aircraft.  Their longer term plan is for 100 helicopters by 2018.

This development is being driven by the Kunming High-tech Zone organisation, who see this plan for Yunnan province as a pilot for other provinces.  Details include a flight school, integration with local infrastructure and so on.  New construction projects over a certain size are likely to need to detail how they will integrate with the GA plans, perhaps insisting on roof-top helipads on high-rise buildings, helipads beside new offices, etc.

Harry Shu – HeliHub.com Beijing correspondent