China’s decision to open its airspace below 4,000m to civilian aircraft has been hailed as transformational by international producers of helicopters and light aircraft, who expect a rush of wealthy Chinese buyers in the coming years.

Industry executives and analysts, however, say the decision is a signal that China intends to develop its domestic helicopter and light aircraft industry quickly, in tandem with its ambitious large aircraft production programme.

Following the news this week that China will gradually open its low altitude airspace, Lutz Bertling, the head of Eurocopter, the world’s largest civil helicopter maker, told Reuters he expects China will move from making civil helicopters in joint ventures and under licence to producing its own from scratch within the decade.