Press Release

Issued by Asian Business Aviation Association.

January 29, 2018

AsBAA, the Asian region's non-profit representative association for general and business aviation met in Beijing for the “Conclusion of 2017 – Annual Meeting of the Mainland China Chapter”. The meeting was moderated by AsBAA mainland China committee chairman, Mr. Rocky Zhang, who presented an overview of the association's activities in 2017 and the market in China, then outlined the plans for the advancement of GA/BA in China in the year ahead.

The AsBAA Mainland China Chapter observed that China remains a market whereby large business aircraft is the mainstream preference. When compared with more mature overseas markets, where a higher percentage of short to medium range aircraft exist, this situation presents a challenge to industry operators as to how entry-level business aircraft can be promoted to Chinese customers, particularly when issues such as scheduling and fee charges remain to be resolved.

Committee representatives called for a clear and transparent industry regulation system and reasonable infrastructure service charges, so that China can advance and promote a positive “open for business” reputation in the global industry. In relation to this topic, AsBAA member, Ms. Zhou of Dentons law firm, presented on the legal issues involved in cross-border transactions for business aircraft.

AsBAA chairperson, Ms. Jenny Lau commented, “The vision for AsBAA in 2018 is to improve the regulatory environment and create opportunities for sustainable development. We will also continue to host meetings in which our members can access expert legal and professional advice. As a member of the International Business Aviation Council, we would encourage the four professional committees from AsBAA mainland China committee to continue voicing constructive and positive suggestions for industry development and work with government agencies to improve regulatory and implementation procedures.”

At the meeting, Mr. Zhang shared that in 2017, the AsBAA mainland China committee has been active to well-represent the voice of the membership to key stakeholders. Through AsBAA, the chapter also set up four committee members to mobilize its member companies to be more engaged in actioning positive change for the industry. Representatives from the four professional committees expressed their call for unity and discipline amongst industry bodies, and the need to work with government agencies to provide a fair environment for all, with optimised policies for the development of business aviation.

In 2017, several AsBAA member companies hosted exchange seminars at Chinese universities with the objective of promoting knowledge careers in GA/BA to students. Mr. Zhang thanked the AsBAA member companies for supporting the Discovery programme, which promotes corporate social responsibility in aviation and helps protect the industry's future.

Mr. Zhang also reviewed the impact of the Civil Aviation Administration of China's new general aviation policy and its impact on the development of the industry. CAAC has introduced a task checklist, simplified procedures and advice notice in order to promote a development strategy that focuses on security, regulation and airworthiness, paving way for the safety and sustainable development of the industry.

One of the invited speakers at the meeting, Dr. Li Yaning from the China Civil Aviation Science Technology Academy, presented China's civil aircraft registration regulations and case studies. In this presentation, he explained that the verification and registration of aircraft should ensure the authenticity and legitimacy of aircraft transactions. Dr. Li commented, “There is a strong demand for general aviation aircraft with air finance leasing transactions, with the proposed electronic registration procedure by the government, this will streamline registration procedure and improve efficiency for transactions. This new practice also signifies the government's commitment to simplify and optimize public service procedure.”

In 2018, The AsBAA mainland China committee will focus on the promotion of professional, local and international cooperation. The committee will work closely with Hong Kong-Macau-Taiwan committee, and regional committees in Singapore, Malaysia and the Philippines. Further cooperation with international aviation organisations and other industry associations in China is also expected, with the intention of improving GA/BA operations standards on behalf of the industry. The committee also plans to organise further exchange activities dedicated to international and domestic general and business aviation.