09 Jul 2018

China Aviation Industry Newsletter 9 July

Airbus Extends Technology Research with Chinese partners Airbus Beijing Engineering Centre (ABEC), a joint venture between Airbus and China Aviation Industry Corporation (AVIC), opened a new lab on nanocomposite materials jointly with National Centre for Nanoscience and Technology of China. On the same day, the two parties signed a cooperation agreement on engineering polymer nanocomposites for aeronautic applications. Both sides agree to carry out R&T activities on electrically conductive, self-healing and toughening nanocomposites. The aim is to explore the application of the state-of-art nanocomposite technology in the aeronautic industry.Airbus Beijing Engineering Centre (ABEC), a joint venture between Airbus and China Aviation Industry Corporation (AVIC), opened a new lab on nanocomposite materials jointly with National Centre for Nanoscience and Technology of China. The two parties signed a cooperation agreement on engineering polymer nanocomposites for aeronautic applications. ATR looks to China for new sales ATR VP-marketing Zuzana Hrnkova is eying China for growth adding that regional aircraft at present account for only 3%-5% of the country’s total commercial aviation fleet compared to 25% globally, “so there’s huge potential for regional development.” The ATR -600 series is scheduled to receive certification from the Chinese authorities by the end of 2018. China Airlines is mulling the A320neo and B737 MAX to replace older Boeing 737-800s China Airlines (CAL) is currently studying the A320neo and B737 MAX as replacement aircraft for its fleet of B737-800s. The Boeing 737-800s would be gradually replaced and any capacity holes will be filled with leased aircraft, according to chairman Ho Nuan-hsuan. China's regional jet gold rush hits regulatory turbulence The Chinese regional jet market is struggling to lift off the ground as authorities slow down approvals for new airlines, industry executives say, dashing hopes that recent policy changes would drive aircraft sales up. According to reports the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) has only approved two new airlines since the "Rule 96" policy went into effect. Out of 3,311 commercial aircraft flying in China at the end of March, just 5 percent were regional jets according to the CAAC. China Southern Airlines to set up new Beijing-based airline, Xiongan Airlines China Southern Airlines intends to establish Xiongan Airlines in the Xiongan New Area, with operations beginning after 2018. China Southern intends to make a total contribution of RMB10 billion by stages in cash amounted to RMB2.5 billion and by tangible assets amounted to RMB7.5 billion to establish the subsidiary. Hainan Airlines Plans Los Angeles-Xian Service Los Angeles will get two extra connections to Chinese secondary cities in December if plans by Hainan Airlines and China Southern Airlines go ahead. On July 3, Air China also opened a link between Los Angeles and Chengdu in southwestern China. Hainan Airlines has applied to begin flying twice a week between Los Angeles and the northwestern Chinese city Xian in December, using Boeing 787s, said the Civil Aviation Administration of China. LCI leases first aircraft in China Lease Corporation International (LCI), the aviation division of the Libra Group, has leased three EMS configured Leonardo AW139 aircraft to Shanghai Kingwing Aviation Co. This is the first time the company has leased its helicopters to China. The aircraft are due to be delivered throughout the second half of 2018 and the move represents a larger growth of the HEMS market in China due to easing of airspace restrictions. Acumen Aviation © 9 July All Rights Reserved.