US strengthens aviation ties with China
The US government has strengthened its aviation relations with China, following the completion of a multi-city trade mission to the country.
The recent Aviation Trade Mission saw a delegation from the US Department of Commerce and other industry stakeholders meet with the Civil Aviation Authority of China (CAAC) and other Chinese aviation companies in a series of events in five cities – Shanghai, Guangzhou, Zhuhai, Beijing, and Hong Kong.
The US delegation held meetings and networking sessions with Chinese partners in an effort to tap into the fast-growing Chinese aviation market. Discussions covered a range of areas, including airport design and construction, pilot and mechanic training and parts manufacturing.
One member of the US delegation, Pan Am International Flight Academy, expressed optimism that the trade mission would boost its business opportunities.
“This opportunity has in effect solidified our relationship with many of the key decision-makers and airlines there. We see China as a tremendous opportunity for us and we were thrilled to have participated,” said Gregory Darrow, Senior Director of Sales & Marketing for the aviation training specialist.
China is the world’s fastest growing civil aviation sector and is expected to add 5,000 new aircraft valued at US$600 billion over the next 20 years. To tap this market, the US delegation met with the country’s three largest carriers – Air China, China Eastern Airlines and China Southern Airlines – along with domestic aircraft manufacturers AVIC and COMAC, plus maintenance and repair companies AMECO and GAMECO.
The 12-day mission included a stop at the China Air Show in Zhuhai, where the US Ambassador to China, Gary Locke held a reception.
The next scheduled aviation trade mission between the two countries is expected to be held sometime during the next year.