China Buying 300 GA Training Aircraft

Stephen Pope

Tuesday, October 02, 2012 at 08:49 PM ET

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Liberty XL-2

Key Takeaways:

Wuhan, China, has placed orders for up to 300 U.S.-made general aviation aircraft, including 200 Liberty Aerospace XL-2 trainers and 100 small helicopters.
This bulk order is poised to provide a significant boost to the U.S. general aviation market, especially for Liberty Aerospace, which has historically low production numbers.
The deal involves U.S.-built aircraft components being shipped to Wuhan for final assembly, as the city aims to become a major pilot training hub in China.
Wuhan is reportedly also seeking ownership stakes in Liberty Aerospace and the unnamed U.S. helicopter manufacturer involved.

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Separate deals announced last week in Wuhan, China, a city of 10 million people, could provide a much-needed boost for the U.S. general aviation market thanks to bulk orders for up to 300 light-sport airplanes and small helicopters for the Chinese training market.

Leaders from Wuhan signed purchase agreements to buy 200 Liberty Aerospace XL-2 trainers, plus 100 small helicopters from an undisclosed U.S. manufacturer.