Flying dragons: Private jets are new status symbol in China

The demand for private business jets in China is sending a sonic boom through the aviation industry and reshaping China's airspace.

Until as recently as 10 years ago, a personal jet was little more than a dream for even the richest mainland Chinese.

Apart from anything else, the government has only allowed individuals to own and fly private aircraft since 2003.

But now, a shiny, personal fly-about is the new business card of the elite, touted abroad by established entrepreneurs such as Zhang Yue (张跃) and such influential celebrities as Jackie Chan (成龙).

In less than a decade, the number of mainland-registered business jets has rocketed from zero to more than 130. Read More