The gate of Zhongfa Aviation University. [Photo/WeChat account: hzcxkcdzl]

The opening ceremony of Zhongfa Aviation University, the latest China-French cooperative education leg of Beihang University, was held in Yuhang district, Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, on May 29.

Recruitment and educational work for the new school has started, with plans to enroll 180 undergraduate students this year.

The higher learning institution aims to fully leverage the disciplinary strengths and talent development characteristics of both Chinese and French universities.

Focusing on the diverse and high-level talent demands in the aviation field, the college will adopt a flexible six-year program combining bachelor's and master's degrees, with instruction in Chinese, French, and English. It will also implement a training model that combines the Chinese "bachelor's-master's" system with the French "preparatory-engineer" system.

The university, jointly established by Beihang University and the French National School of Civil Aviation, was witnessed by the heads of state of both China and France. It has gained concerted support from the governments of Zhejiang province, Hangzhou city, and Yuhang district.

The campus is located in the core area of the Hangzhou Chengxi Sci-tech Innovation Corridor, adjacent to the Hangzhou West Railway Station and the Archaeological Ruins of Liangzhu City, a world cultural heritage site.

A bird's-eye view of Zhongfa Aviation University. [Photo/WeChat account: hzcxkcdzl]