Idealists in 18th and 19th century America founded a number of utopian communities. Falling victim to their cultural and social ideals, they rarely lasted into the 20th century, and in the 21st century the Amana Colonies, Shakers, and Oneida Community, among others, are historic tourist destinations. Some may see it as an aviation utopia, but given its scope and thoughtful integration of elements, the recently approved Superior Aviation Town is a purposeful and pragmatic utopia with a better than good chance of long-term survival.
As Superior Group CEO Tim Archer described the town and its components, my initial impression changed. A global interface and cultural translator might be a more apt description than utopia. Located about 11 miles east of Beijing Capital International Airport, the 1,236-acre town will be built around the executive airport’s 7,800-foot runway (with a second runway planned for the future). Dedicated exclusively to business and general aviation, it should be operational in about three years.
The executive airport will be tower controlled with ILS and GPS instrument approaches. It will be surrounded by a GA manufacturing center, duty-free zone, exhibition center, living facilities, and a flying club. It will be the model for similar towns the group foresees as China’s GA infrastructure. More importantly, the towns will mitigate the differences between Chinese and Western cultures, said Archer. Here, it seems, is the key to the project’s success.
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