Dongguan has started construction of its first general aviation manufacturing project, marking a milestone in the development of the city’s high-end manufacturing industry.

With a $520 million investment by the Hong Kong unit of US-based aircraft manufacturer AeroTranscendent and several overseas investment institutions, the project is expected to generate 3.5 billion yuan ($486 million) in annual output value when it is completed, with the capacity of producing 200 to 400 aircraft a year, including high-end jet aircraft and turboprop aircraft. It is expected to contribute 140 million yuan to local tax revenues annually.

About 1,100 professionals are expected to be employed within two years after the project comes into operation, with those with a bachelor’s degree or above accounting for 95 percent or more of the hires, according to local media

About 1,100 professionals are expected to be employed within two years after the project comes into operation, with those with a bachelor’s degree or above accounting for 95 percent or more of the hires, according to local media. Information on the completion date of the project was not disclosed.

The project is part of Dongguan’s push to enhance the competitiveness and influence of its manufacturing industry by focusing on high-end development.

Dongguan, which borders Guangzhou and Shenzhen, not only has a geographical advantage and developed logistics network, but also owns a strong manufacturing industry, said Chen Lai, president of AeroTranscendent Hong Kong.

ALSO READ: Guangzhou to host SIMS 2026 event

The city can also take advantage of the abundant talent resources in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area to develop aviation, he said.

Chen said China has a good foundation to develop the industry as 70 percent of the general-purpose components of an airplane can be made in the country.

The Dongguan project could become a base for developing the high-end aircraft manufacturing industry, attracting market players in the industrial chain to come to gather and form an ecosystem in the city, he added.

READ MORE: Guangzhou launches measures to boost Nansha development

Besides from Dongguan, other Guangdong cities in the Greater Bay Area are also intensifying their efforts in the field. According to the 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-25) for Developing High-quality Manufacturing in Guangdong Province, support will be given to Guangzhou, Shenzhen and Zhuhai to set up innovative platforms for the aviation industry. The three cities will develop into prototype demonstration areas for the development of the aviation industry.

Contact the writer at sally@chinadailyhk.com