Business Aviation Considerations in China

How A Flight Support Partner Helps You Overcome BizAv Challenges in China

The Chinese skies have in the past been relatively clear of private jets. This has largely been due to the challenging operating environment in China, which includes a number of flight planning restrictions and limitations. Although in recent times China Might Be Opening Up Its Skies To The Private Aviation Industry, it is always recommended to work closely with a reliable flight support partner when planning a trip to China. iJET todays talks about how to make your flight planning easy when travelling to China.

Flight Planning Restrictions

The number of stops one can make in China is limited by the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC). Usually flight operators can make 5 stops within China, after which they have to exit and re-enter the country. Also, most crew visa is valid for only 7 days, after which additional permission is required. In 2017, more than 30 rules were changes in favour of private jet fliers by Chinese officials, reported Jeffrey Lowe, managing director of aircraft services firm Asian Sky Group in Hong Kong. But work closely along, with your flight support provider to plan the number of stops you need to make, and the number of days your clients need to stay in China.

Restricted Airway and Chinese Navigator

There are certain airways in China which are restricted for use by business aircraft. General aviation can use specific routings given by the CAAC, and this list of permitted airways often changes. Also, at remoter and restricted airfields you need to have a Chinse navigator on board. These points make it indispensable for flight operators to work with flight support providers who are well-informed about eh restricted airways and can help you get a Chinses navigator.

Flight Permit Changes

As explained iJET Country Directory for China, only two changes are allowed in flight permits. Multiple permit and flight plan changes are not approved by the CAAC which can cause unnecessary delay in the flight.

Crew Visa Requirements

All crew members operating to china require a type-C visa, which is valid for only 7 days. At major airports like Beijing Capital International Airport ZBAA/ PEK and Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport ZSSS/ SHA specific nationalities (including Russians and Japanese) may obtain visas on arrival. Crew can also use the 72-hour transit visa (if they meet all requirements).

Visit https://ijet.aero/countries/flight-operational-requirements/?country_name=China for more flight operational requirements.

3 Major Airports in China

Majority of the traffic in China goes to Beijing (ZBAA/ PEK) and Shanghai (ZSSS/ SHA and ZSPD/ PVG). The three major airports thus are Beijing Capital International Airport ZBAA/ PEK, Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport ZSSS/ SHA, and Shanghai Pudong International Airport ZSPD/ PVG. A few years back there were no General Aviation Terminals (GATs) or Fixed Based Operators (FBOs) in China, but that is not the case now. Airports in major cities have FBOs but in remote locations you have to use VIP lounge or go through the GAT. Unlike some of the other airports in country, ZBAA/ PEK, ZSSS/ SHA and ZSPD/ PVG does have an FBO.

To know about other major airports in China visit https://ijet.aero/countries/airports-list/china_airports.

Consult the iJET Country Directory

Before starting your flight planning, visit the iJET Country Directory for China, where you can get all the flight planning information, including details of flight permits, visa for crew and passenger, general information about flying to China, and more.

Team up with iJET when flying to China, to offer your clients a seamless private charter experience. To make sure that all the necessary operational requirements are made on time, including obtaining flight permits, taking care of your ground handling and aviation fuel, let iJET help you with your trip to China.