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B.C. firms soar at Airshow China 2016
Deals signed by B.C. companies at Airshow China 2016 in Zhuhai, China, last week brings Canadian expertise to a growing Chinese market and creates new opportunities at home for Pelesys Learning Systems and the Langley Flying School, while Viking Air announced a second delivery to its Chinese partner, also at the Airshow.
November 8, 2016 By Matt Nicholls
Airshow China 2016, held Nov 1-6, attracted almost half a million visitors and allowed B.C. companies to showcase their products and services to a fast-growing Chinese market. Teresa Wat, Minister of International Trade and Minister Responsible for Asia Pacific Strategy and Multiculturalism led a delegation of 17 B.C. companies to the Airshow.
“I was delighted to witness these important contract signings,” said Wat. “The agreements reflect the developing connections between B.C. and China with regard to increasing trade and investment in China’s rapidly expanding aviation sector. This, in turn, helps to drive economic growth and job creation at home in B.C.”
The agreement between Vancouver-based aviation management service provider, Pelesys Learning Systems and Sichuan Haite High Technologies, China’s largest third-party aviation training-service provider, will allow the two firms to realize greater value and benefits by sharing common resources.
“By utilizing and sharing complementary technologies, Pelesys and our Chinese partner will work together to establish a world-class aviation platform aimed at providing a variety of aviation training courses and software,” said Yuping Guan, vice-president research and development and chief technology officer, Pelesys Learning Systems.
Since 1994, Langley Flying School has graduated thousands of private and professional pilots. Under the contract signed with Yunnan Xiang’Ao Aviation Technology, the school’s Chinese partner will provide Cessna simulation devices and equipment to the school’s Vancouver base, allowing it to significantly expand its training capacity.
“Through this partnership, Langley Flying School aims to spur an interest in aviation for Lower Mainland and international youth, provide basic entry-level flight training, select and foster talented students, and provide opportunities to study at the Langley Flying School,” said Alex Zhang, president, Langley Flying school.
Vancouver Island aerospace firm, Viking Air, also acted on a strategic partnership signed in 2015 by delivering its second Series 400 Twin Otter aircraft to China’s Reignwood Aviation Group. The agreement represents an opportunity for China to increase its use of float planes and bush planes as an important mode of transportation.
“The strategic partnership between Viking and Reignwood was established to access the extensive market potential in China for general aviation aircraft. Viking’s Series 400 Twin Otter is a perfect fit to service China’s extensive coastline to the east and rugged territories to the west, especially for short distance commutes and tourism,” said Dominique Spragg, vice-president strategic planning, Viking Air.
Events like Airshow China are a critical part of British Columbia’s international trade strategy and BC Jobs plan to diversify international trading partners and secure new investment, and help propel economic activity and job creation throughout the province.
