25 Nov 2019

China Aviation Industry Newsletter 25 November

AFI KLM E&M obtains CAAC approval for LEAP maintenance During the Dubai Airshow, AFI KLM E&M formally announced it had received authorization from the CAAC to carry out maintenance operations on LEAP engines (-1A / -1B). AFI KLM E&M stated the decision marked a new milestone in its industrialization and marketing of dedicated maintenance solutions for the new-generation engines that power the A320neo and the Boeing 737 MAX. Chinese airlines turn to Asia as long-haul losses pile up Chinese airlines are adding seats on short- and mid-range Asian flights in a strategic shift away from prestigious but loss-making North American routes to a market that promises better returns and growth. Out of 105 international routes that Chinese carriers plan to add to over 800 existing ones for the new winter-spring season, most focus on East Asia and Southeast Asia with some European routes also thrown into the mix reported Reuters 20 November. China Eastern Airlines Announces New Routes, Deals at CIIE China Eastern Airlines announced launch of new routes and acquisition of products during the ongoing second China International Import Expo to increase its presence in countries and regions involved in the Belt and Road Initiative. The airline signed 14 agreements with suppliers from nine countries and regions on Wednesday, covering areas of aviation engine procurement and maintenance, aviation fuel, food and drinks on board, pilot training, IT services. Total value of the deals signed this year is projected to exceed 15.07 billion yuan inked last year.The company hopes the optimized supply chain will better serve Chinese travelers' upgraded consumption, and strengthen China Eastern's competitiveness in the global market. China Eastern paid special attention to communication and collaboration with countries and regions involved in the initiative. The carrier announced on the first day of the second China International Import Expo that it was going to add two flights between China and Hungary in December. Regional Aviation & China-made Aircraft Development Forum 2019 Successfully Held in Xi'an The Regional Aviation & China-made Aircraft Development Forum 2019 was successfully held in Yanliang, Xi'an on 14 November. Featuring the theme of "Discussing and Sharing Ideas to Promote the In-depth Cooperation of OBOR Civil Aviation", nearly 200 guests from CAAC, Pacific-China Friendship Association, local governments, airport groups, airlines, financial institutions, AVIC and news media as well as civil aviation officials of ten countries attended the event and conducted extensive discussions on topics including the development and cooperation of aviation industries in OBOR countries, building of regional aviation environment in the region, regional aviation and airport operation, and development of China-made regional aircraft. At the event, the Aviation Industry Development Research Center of China also issued a Market Forecast Report for Civil Aircraft in China 2019-2038. Airport Apron Goes into Operation in Tibet The new apron of Gongkar Airport in Lhasa, capital of Southwest China's Tibet autonomous region started operating on Sunday, when it welcomed its first flight from Tibet Airlines, according to Tibet Daily. According to the Tibet Administration of the Civil Aviation Administration of China, the airport has 27 boarding gates in total after the construction of the four boarding gates for the new airport apron finished on 20 October. Equipped with high-tech facilities and devices, the newly launched apron will help the flight safety, operation efficiency, and management effectiveness of the airport. Acumen Aviation © 25 November 2019 All Rights Reserved.