Chad is the editor of AINalerts, AIN's daily business aviation newsletter, and is also the news editor at AIN Media Group.&nbsp;He has been writing about aviation, with an emphasis on business aviation, since 1994. Chad started his writing career at The Avion,&nbsp;the&nbsp;student newspaper at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, Florida, serving as editor-in-chief before graduating with a bachelor's in aeronautical science. After a stint as managing editor at Professional Pilot&nbsp;magazine, he joined&nbsp;AIN in late 1998. Chad holds a commercial pilot certificated with instrument and multi-engine ratings, and he also is a CFI/CFII. He lives and works from his home in Venice, Florida.

Online Editor

Chad Trautvetter

Piper Aircraft announced a substantial fleet order today for 50 Archers from China Air Shuttle, the aircraft manufacturer’s dealer in China. China Air Shuttle will begin to take delivery of these airplanes in the second quarter and then distribute them to major flight schools and general aviation companies in China. At list prices, the deal is worth approximately $17.6 million.


Ruixiang Flight Academy is the launch customer for the Archer fleet order, according to China Air Shuttle chairman Li Chen. Ruixiang also took delivery of two Piper Seminoles last year and currently operates the multi-engine trainers in its ab initio flight training program.


The Archers going to China Air Shuttle will be manufactured at Piper’s Vero Beach, Florida factory and then shipped to China, where they will be reassembled by China Air Shuttle's affiliate company in Rizhao, Shandong Province. The facilities in Rizhao will be developed into a localized delivery center for aircraft reassembly, training, maintenance and product support for Chinese customers.


China Air Shuttle also intends to order and stock more trainers to meet the fast-growing flight training market in China. The high demand for pilots—along with the Civil Aviation Authority of China's move to accommodate general aviation and improve infrastructure—is expected to lead to growth of general and business aviation in the country.

News and developments about airplanes, helicopters and unmanned air vehicles used in all varieties of operations, including airlines, military, business, commercial, general aviation and private.

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China Air Shuttle will begin to take deliveries in the second quarter and then distribute the Piper Archers to flight schools and genav outfits in China.

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