July 8, 2004
Massive business opportunities are expected to arise in the light aircraft market now that the government has passed regulations governing light aircraft. Aerospace officials within the Ministry of Economic Affairs say that the outlook is good for this market in Taiwan, with annual business opportunities estimated to reach at least
NTD 2 to 3 billion in the coming years.
Currently, over ten domestic enterprises have invested or are making plans to invest in light aircraft manufacturing. Current Taiwanese light aircraft makers include Wei Hwa (manned and unmanned ultralight and light helicopters), You Hsiang (light helicopters), China Aerospace Industrial Corp. (light airplanes) and Xyn (light airplanes). Xyn has even purchased a twelve hectare tract of land in Yunlin County where it plans to build a light aircraft airfield and recreational area. It is investing around
NTD 1 billion in this project. A number of flight training centers and take-off and landing points for light aircraft are also being established around Taiwan.
MOEA officials are optimistic about the future of the light aircraft market in Taiwan. In addition to the positive outlook for manufacturing, they also point to the value added aspect of this sector, noting that parts and components for light aircraft are 130 times more expensive than those for automobiles (with engine parts 300 time more expensive) and that profits from maintenance are three times greater than those from manufacturing. (Commercial Times)
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