Chinese private jet dealer's sales take off

The impressive sales of a south China private jet dealer just four days into the company's existence have reaffirmed the growing appetite of the country's super-rich for luxury air travel despite strict government restrictions in the sector. Zhuhai Cirrus General Aviation Co. Ltd. (Zhuhai BAC) has sold 14 aircraft since opening for business on Friday. The models sold were U.S.-made lightweight Cirrus SR20s and SR22s, priced nearly 3 million yuan (480,000 U.S. dollars) and 5 million yuan respectively, Chen Shaochang, general manager of the firm, said. The dealer in the city of Zhuhai, Guangdong province is the country's first fixed-base operator (FBO) that provides aeronautical services such as fueling, hangaring and aircraft maintenance. Chen said the company -- promoted under the slogan "Flying is a lifestyle" -- is targeting building up 40 FBO stores across the country, but particularly in the northeastern region. China's private jet owners haven't really been able to enjoy the thrill of flying, as every private flight requires a lengthy approval procedure under strict regulations. And it remains inconvenient for the super-rich to fuel, park or repair their new toys as the jet services sector is still in its infancy. However, authorities have promised to open otherwise tightly controlled low-altitude airspace below 1,000 meters, in several cities and regions on a trial basis this year to boost the aviation industry.