CHONGQING, China, Dec. 24, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Pilatus Aircraft Co., Ltd., a world famous aircraft manufacturer from Switzerland, opened its Chinese headquarters on December 18 (production & service base and delivery center) in Chongqing Liangjiang New Area.

The first two PC-6 airplanes produced on that day were provided to the General Administration of Sports of China as training planes. Over 20 more were ordered by Xinjiang General Aviation Co., Ltd., Yunnan Ruifeng Group and Minsheng Financial Leasing Co., Ltd.

Chongqing mayor Huang Qifan said, "China only has around 1,154 airplanes in service at present, with less than 0.4 percent of that in America. In 2015, China will completely relax the control of aircrafts at low altitude so that the demand will greatly increase."

Chongqing has technology advantages in aluminum fabrication and production of general motor, transmission gear and gear case. Pilatus chose the right time to enter the Chinese market.

The vice president of Pilatus Aircraft said, "The company is optimistic about Liangjiang New Area's status and function in mainland China and the massive Chinese market. Pilatus will build the industrial line of general aviation in Chongqing for aircraft production and conduct training."

According to the agreement, this project, with a total investment of some $400 million, includes the establishment of a company engaged in production, general assembly and maintenance of general aircraft, and the relocation of PC-12 production lines for the Asia-Pacific Region and PC-6 production lines from Switzerland to Chongqing.

An annual production capacity of 150 PC-6 and PC-12 airplanes will be formed after the completion of the whole project.

Representing the development of inland China, Liangjiang New Area experienced a year-on-year growth of 20 percent and 300 percent in its economy and international trade respectively from January to September 2012, attracting many transnational enterprises.

Kautex Textron of Germany, one of the world's top 100 automotive fuel tank producers, opened its new factory in Liangjiang New Area on November 29, 2012.

Chongqing Wallenberg Electromechanical Device Co., Ltd., the first authorized dealer of Sweden SKF (manufacturer of bearings) in southwest China, opened in Liangjiang Industrial Park on November 28.

A European Parliament delegation for relations with the People's Republic of China paid a visit to Liangjiang New Area on November 1, 2012. The chair of the delegation said that they will further enhance cooperation with Chongqing.

Dr. Gerold Amelung, the new consul-general of the Consulate General of the Federal Republic of Germany in Chengdu and Sylvie Bermann, the French Ambassador to China, visited Liangjiang New Area on November 28. They hoped more European companies would benefit from the development of the country's western regions.

Chongqing-Xinjiang-Europe International Railway, honored as the "modern Silk Road," greatly promotes the development of auto and information technology industries in Liangjiang New Area.

The auto production capacity of Liangjiang New Area accounts for one-tenth of China's total while the laptop production capacity occupies one-third of the world's total.

SOURCE Chongqing Liangjiang New Area