Despite ongoing trade tensions between China and the U.S., the business aviation communities of the two countries are in deep discussions to bring the sector forward. Recently, the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) and the U.S.-led Aviation Cooperation Program (ACP) organized the CAAC-ACP Business Aviation Operational Safety Seminar in Beijing.
The event was attended by CAAC chief pilot Wan Xiangdong and deputy director Gen. Han Guangzu, as well as NBAA v-p and ACP general/business aviation committee co-chair Dough Carr and FAA senior representative for North Asia and ACP co-chair Nicole Didyk-Wells. Nearly 50 local operators also attended.
Topics discussed included technology, pilot training, MROs, and data optimization to improve safety, some of which will be applied to improve the efficiency of the new Beijing Daxing International Airport and to revise the CAAC General Operating and Flight Rules (CCAR 91).
In a panel discussion between Beijing Business Aviation Association (BBAA) secretary general Frank Fang and ACP executive director Geoff Jackson, both saw the need for further in-depth cooperation to move Chinese business aviation forward as a group.
BBAA is China’s only professional social group and aims to promote the growth of business aviation in China by having long-term communication mechanisms with the local authorities. Currently at 56 members, a BBAA spokesperson said its membership is increasing by 20 percent annually.
He added that its members are more concerned about reducing operating and management costs, and increasing efficiency. He acknowledged that while the aviation development in China is facing some institutional problems, it will take some time to change and therefore BBAA’s role is to bridge the gap between industry and government.