Zhongke Sannai New Material Co Ltd signed an investment agreement to build a research and production base for aircraft engine blades in Liangjiang New Area during the launch ceremony of Chongqing Pilot Free Trade Zone on April 1.

The company will invest 500 million yuan ($72.5 million) in Liangjiang New Area to research and produce single-crystal blades, equiaxed crystal blades and directional columnar crystal blades used in the production of aircraft engines and combustion turbines. The production value is expected to reach 1.5 billion yuan after the base is put into operation.

The project will accelerate the development of an industrial cluster and the collection of resources and talents in the aviation industry, especially the aircraft engine manufacturing industry, in Liangjiang New Area.

Zhongke Sannai New Material Co Ltd is a high-tech company established by the key researchers of the Institute of Metal Research, at the Chinese Academy of Sciences. It is engaged in the development and manufacturing of heat, corrosion and wear resistant materials, as well as precision casting products. The company is the only professional producer of gas turbine blades in China.

By 2020, Chongqing will establish a network for general aviation airports that covers the entire municipality and establishes a sound general aviation support system. It will be a cluster that combines aircraft R&D, education and training, as well as operational safeguards. It is projected to achieve production value of over 30 billion yuan by the end of the 13th Five-Year Plan (2016-20).

The launch of Chongqing Pilot Free Trade Zone takes place on April 1 in Chongqing Municipality, marking a new milestone in the opening-up of western China. [Photo/liangjiang.gov.cn]

New cars stand in Longsheng Industrial Park of Liangjiang New Area, which is becoming a base for intelligent automobile manufacturing and the general aviation industry. [Photo/liangjiang.gov.cn]

Edited by James Skinner