Reform due for low-altitude airspace control  

空管委官员：中国低空空域改革将在全境铺开

13日，中国国家空管委办公室副局长马欣在第九届中国航展现场接受记者采访时表示，低空空域改革明年将在中国全境铺开

Beijing (CNS) -- China will start an overall reform of its low-altitude airspace management system across the country starting next year, said Ma Xin, deputy director of the state air traffic control commission, on Tuesday.

The goal is expected to be completed in three phases over a decade, said Ma. Pilot projects have already been launched in China's northeastern and central-southern regions, as well as in the cities of Tangshan, Xi'an, Qingdao, Hangzhou, Ningbo, Kunming and Chongqing, he added.

According to statistics, China owned 1,198 aircraft for general aviation as of October 2012, and its demand for general aviation is expected to reach 5,000 units, accounting for 12 percent of the global total.

When questioned about possible locations of general aviation service stations, Ma said: "It depends on diversified situations. Stations will be established where they are needed."

The stations will provide flight plans, flight information, climate service, warnings, and search and rescue, said Ma.