The Lebainian general aviation base, located in Hai'an, began operations on April 24. [Photo/VCG]

A ceremony for the first flight at the Lebainian general aviation base – located in the county-level city of Hai'an administered by Nantong in East China's Jiangsu province – was held on China's Space Day which falls on April 24 every year.

The first general aviation base in the city of Nantong, it was jointly invested and constructed by Duofu Group – one of China's top 500 private enterprises – and LCFY General Aviation.

Covering 20 hectares, the base boasts an 800-meter-long and 25-meter-wide runway, a hangar which is able to accommodate at least six sports light aircraft, a 600-square-meter FBO (fixed-base operation) terminal, hangars reserved for members, a complex building and other facilities.

In the future, it will develop in pace with Lebainian Health Town and the culture and tourism industries.

Focusing on low-altitude flight experience, youth research and camp education, flight license training, aviation logistics, charter flights and other products, the base will boost the development of general aviation, tourism, scientific research and learning, as well as logistics in Nantong.

In addition, the base will play a crucial part in preventing forest fires, mapping, taking aerial photos and videos, monitoring of water bodies, air seeding and emergency rescue in Nantong, and will greatly improve the efficiency of air-ground cooperation in multiple tasks conducted by the government.