An outline of a development plan for the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Greater Bay Area (GBA) released on Monday by the central committee of the Communist Party of China and the country’s State Council includes several provisions to expand and develop general and business aviation (GA/BA) in the region.

Notably, the government is backing the construction of a third runway at Hong Kong Airport and the reconstruction and expansion of Macau Airport, the latter of which also supports its development as a business aviation hub. The Asian Business Aviation Association (AsBAA) welcomed this news, as Hong Kong International Airport continues to face slot restrictions and high parking fees, while Macau Airport is becoming more feasible as an alternative after the completion of the Hong Kong–Zhuhai–Macau Bridge.

“We will deepen the reform of low-altitude airspace management, accelerate the development of general aviation, steadily develop cross-border helicopter services to and from Macau and Hong Kong, and build comprehensive demonstration zones for the general aviation industry in Shenzhen and Zhuhai,“ the committee said. In addition, the government will also study the feasibility and construction of a number of regional and general aviation airports in the GBA region.

The government also said it will expand public participation in the development of the GBA, open channels for public feedback, and support all market players in participating in the development of the region.

AsBAA is one of the parties that have been lobbying GA/BA development over the past three years. These efforts include direct lobbying with governmental departments, white papers, establishment of a GBA think-tank group, information sharing via local business networks, closed-door meetings, and several presentations to stakeholders.

“AsBAA is deeply encouraged and proud to see the enhanced commitment from the Chinese central government to recognize the importance of GA/BA and facilitate its growth in the GBA. Over the past three years, we have successfully lobbied for many of the points now announced in the government’s outline plan for the region,” said AsBAA chairperson Jenny Lau.

”These efforts have been to raise awareness that the development of GA/BA in the GBA will lead to enhanced economic prosperity, greater efficiency, technological advancement, an expanded financial support network, new jobs, and a wealth of benefits for the region such as research and development opportunities and education and training for local communities,” she continued. “In addition, we can now expect to see greater standardization of the rules relating to airspace usage, routing, and operational procedures between the three areas.”