14 May 2018

China Aviation Industry Newsletter 14 May

Air China launching Chengdu-London Gatwick flights Air China has announced it will launch non-stop flights between Chengdu and Gatwick airport on 3 July. The new service is the first non-stop connection between London and Chengdu since British Airways cancelled its flights from Heathrow in January 2017. The Air China flights will operate three times a week on Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays onboard the airline’s two-class Airbus A330-300. ATSG abandons Chinese JV cargo airline plan ATSG has decided to abandon its plans to launch a joint venture airline in China following a review of its China strategy. The US-based aircraft lessor had initially planned to launch United Star Express in partnership with Chinese carrier Okay Airline and online discount retailer Vipshop Holdings in mid-2016. However, the project was delayed several times for regulatory reasons. ATSG said that it has now decided to take a step back from the project and is now looking at its entire China strategy. China Eyes Aviation Industry In African Countries Mr Jiang Zhouteng, Acting Ambassador of the People's Republic of China to Ghana, has said China is ready to work with African countries to strengthen strategic cooperation. He said it was also ready to further implement the China-Africa Regional Aviation Cooperation Plan and build a China-Africa Air Silk Road for the benefits of both Chinese and African people. Mr Jiang was speaking at the opening ceremony of the China-Africa Joint Research Conference and Exchange Programme in Accra on the theme: 'China-Africa Regional Aviation Cooperation: Prospects and Policy Recommendations'. China gives favorable marks to Ansat during certification, says Russian Helicopters Chinese specialists have given positive marks to Russia’s Ansat rotorcraft as part of the certification validation framework. Representatives from the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) visited the Kazan Helicopter Plant (KVZ) in line with the validation procedure arrangements for the Russian-grade certificate for the Ansat. They inspected the chopper’s entire assembly chain. In addition, joint flight tests, an assessment of the equipment and a validation flight of the helicopter were also provided. China to deliver world’s largest amphibious aircraft to customers by 2022 China expects to deliver its domestically developed AG600, the world’s largest amphibious aircraft, to customers by 2022, Xinhua reported late on Sunday citing the plane’s manufacturer. China to ease "one route, one airline" policy According to reports this morning China will ease its near decade-old "one route, one airline" policy, the country's aviation regulator said, opening the door to greater levels of competition on long-haul routes between the nation's state-backed and private carriers. The Civil Aviation Administration of China, in a statement on its website, said the move was in recognition of the changing nature of China's aviation market, and also to prepare for the opening of Beijing's second international airport scheduled for 2019. The new policy is expected to take effect on 1 October. Embraer sees E175 in sweet spot for China's regional push Speaking to FlightGlobal, Arjan Meijer says that the 88-seat regional jet could work well in the country as Beijing pushes for development of the regional aviation market. “China has a programme in place to stimulate regional connectivity. The limitation they put on it is 100 seats,” he says. The E175-E1 is the perfect product from Embraer to offer that market. That segment is very compelling. We are working hard to get more 175E1s into China for that.” North Korea airline plans new China charter flights amid diplomatic thaw North Korea's Air Koryo plans to launch charter flights between Pyongyang and Chengdu in south-west China, two airline officials told Reuters, amid a major improvement in diplomatic relations between the neighbours. Tourists from China account for about four-fifths of foreign visitors to North Korea, says South Korean think-tank the Korea Maritime Institute, which estimates tourism generates revenue of about $44 million each year for the country. Vietnam Airlines move operations to new terminal at China’s Baiyun airport The Vietnam Airlines Corporation announced that it will switch operations to Terminal T2 from Terminal T1 at Baiyun International Airport in China’s Guangzhou city from May 19 to improve its services. Vietnam Airlines runs three direct flights connecting Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang city with Guangzhou with 17 flights per week Acumen Aviation © 14 May 2018 All Rights Reserved.