Published by ChinaMNC · Nanling

Wuhu Aviation Town: 100% Local Core Component Sourcing for General Aviation Aircraft

A practical guide for foreign founders on Wuhu Aviation Town's low-altitude economy cluster, where over 200 enterprises and 19 aircraft manufacturers operate, with 100% local sourcing of core components for general aviation aircraft.

Wuhu Aviation Town: A Low-Altitude Economy Hub

Foreign founders exploring China's low-altitude economy should note Wuhu Aviation Town in Wanzhi District, Anhui Province. This planned 3.49-square-kilometer town, based on the Wuhu Aviation Industrial Park, combines aviation manufacturing with cultural tourism. It hosts over 200 enterprises across the full chain, including general aviation complete aircraft, drone manufacturing, three core aviation components, low-altitude intelligent connectivity systems, and low-altitude operations.

Core Component Localization

A key highlight: within the town's core area, the local supporting rate for core components of general aviation complete aircraft is 100%, achieving the goal of producing a domestic general aviation aircraft without leaving the park. This means foreign founders in the aviation sector can access a complete local supply chain for core components.

Industry Ecosystem and Key Players

Wuhu Aviation Industrial Park has gathered over 200 enterprises across the full industry chain. The park is home to 19 complete aircraft manufacturing enterprises, including CETC Diamond Aircraft, Zhongke Trainer Aircraft, Haiying UAV, Wuhu United Aircraft, Tengdun Technology, and Shidi Technology.

The park has fostered a group of industry leaders, often referred to as "single champions," in niche sectors: Jingxuanfeng Propeller, Huaming Avionics, Hangrui Power, Diamond Aero Engine, and Xiongming Technology. These companies exemplify independent innovation in the general aviation supply chain.

Technological Breakthroughs and Certification

Wuhu Diamond Aero Engine independently developed the AEC2.0L aviation piston engine, which obtained a type certificate from the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) in 2023—the first aviation piston engine in China to complete airworthiness certification under current regulations. In November of the previous year, the company received a Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) for the AEC2.0L engine on the DA42NG aircraft and signed initial customers. This marks the first fully independently developed heavy-fuel piston engine in China to enter the international mainstream general aviation aircraft platform, qualified for global modification and operation.

Anhui Huaming Aviation Electronic Systems, established in September 2017 and settled in the park in 2019, is a leading enterprise in China's general aviation avionics industry. Its CR9 integrated avionics system is the only general aviation integrated avionics system in China to obtain 25 CTSOA certificates from the CAAC. The system fills a domestic technical gap, breaks foreign monopolies, and has been exported to European and American markets, providing a "Chinese brain" for low-altitude aircraft in Southeast Asia.

Strategic Layout for Low-Altitude Economy

Wuhu City has proposed a "one core, two wings, four centers" strategic layout for the low-altitude industry. Wanzhi District undertakes the core responsibility for complete aircraft research, development, and manufacturing. The aviation town is building a comprehensive flight foundation focusing on platform construction, cargo development, and scenario innovation.

Wuhu Low-Altitude Intelligent Connectivity Technology Co., Ltd. is leading the construction of a low-altitude intelligent connectivity network, building an intelligent monitoring network covering airspace below 300 meters and initially establishing an integrated space-air-ground "neural center." The company aims to develop this into a "HarmonyOS"-like system for low-altitude intelligent connectivity, grafting more applications and promoting various low-altitude application scenarios.

Practical Guidance for Foreign Founders

For foreign founders considering establishing a presence in China's aviation or low-altitude economy sectors, Wuhu Aviation Town offers a mature industrial ecosystem with over 200 enterprises and a complete supply chain for core components. The 100% local sourcing rate for core components means reduced reliance on imports and potentially lower logistics costs.

When registering a company in China, foreign investors typically need to choose a business scope that aligns with the park's focus. The park's cluster effect may facilitate partnerships with local suppliers and customers. However, foreign founders should conduct due diligence on specific certification requirements, as aviation products require CAAC approvals. The town's cultural tourism component also presents opportunities in aviation-themed tourism and experiences.

Foreign founders should note that while the park offers a comprehensive ecosystem, operating in China requires compliance with foreign investment regulations, tax laws, and industry-specific rules. Engaging local professional services is advisable.

This summary is based on information published by the relevant Chinese government website and is general information, not legal or tax advice.