Qin Weidong, vice-general manager of SLEST, said, "It is the very first time that a private enterprise in China has co-operated with Sikorsky, the world's leading helicopter manufacturer.''

SLEST began negotiations with Sikorsky this April and has just reached an understanding with the company to exploit the international market.

In the next two years, SLEST and Sikorsky will produce at least 20 four-seat helicopters.

Within five years, SLEST is expected to gain the intellectual property rights of various light helicopter models.

Most insiders believe this is a big leap for the Chinese helicopter manufacturing industry to keep up with their foreign counterparts.

Although pre-investment for the helicopter market in China is huge, the potential of the market is extremely promising, according to Qin.

Qin's belief was backed up by statistics issued by the authorities that said by 2013, the need for civil helicopters will add up to 1,867 helicopters and the total value of which will surpass US$4.9 billion.

Some experts from the China National Aero-Technology Import & Export Corporation have also predicted that in 2020, the need will exceed 10,000 helicopters with a total market price standing at US$84 billion.

"At present, China has only 100 civil helicopters, far from the actual demand.

The current lack of helicopter manufacturers is largely due to the existing barriers in the aviation industry like few policies to grant market access, out-dated technologies, huge pre-investment.

SLEST subcontracted manufacturing components to Shanghai Aircraft Manufacturing Factory.

At the same time, SLEST gained technological support from the factory's experts and the Chinese Helicopter Research & Development Institute.

It has also developed a model of unmanned helicopter on its own.

(China Daily 10/11/2001)