04 Dec 2025
#1 December 2025: China Aviation Industry Newsletter
Air India Appoints The Aviation Management Ltd as Passenger GSA in China
Air India has appointed The Aviation Management Limited (a TAM Group company) as its General Sales Agent (GSA) for passenger sales across Mainland China, effective 1 December 2025. The Aviation Management Limited will oversee ticketing, reservations, marketing activities, and end-to-end passenger sales support across the region.
The appointment strengthens Air India’s commercial presence in China by providing travel agents and customers with improved accessibility to its global network. Manish Puri, Air India’s Head of Global Sales, said, “Their strong market knowledge and established distribution capabilities will support our growth plans, deepen customer outreach, and help us serve our customers and trade partners with greater convenience and confidence.”
China Cargo Airlines Launches Paris–Shanghai 777F Service
China Cargo Airlines has expanded its European network with a new Boeing 777F service between Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) and Shanghai Pudong. The route commenced on 20 November and operates three times weekly to support rising freight demand between France and China.
Worldwide Flight Services (WFS) has been appointed to handle cargo operations at CDG, providing full ramp services and road feeder connectivity linking Paris with regional French airports and major European gateways.
Uzbekistan Airways Signs LOI with ICBC Aviation Leasing for A321neo Aircraft
Uzbekistan Airways has signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) with ICBC Aviation Leasing for two new Airbus A321neo aircraft, scheduled for delivery between 2027 and 2028. These will be the first aircraft delivered through the airline’s partnership with ICBC Aviation Leasing.
Configured in a two-class layout, the new A321neos will expand the airline’s fleet of the type to 15 units by 2028, supporting its long-term fleet modernisation strategy and enhancing operating efficiency across regional and international networks.
Acumen’s Take
On Air India’s GSA Appointment in Mainland China
Strengthening distribution through TAM Group gives Air India a more structured foothold in one of the world’s largest outbound travel markets. Localised sales support is crucial in China, where retail fragmentation and regional dynamics can heavily influence booking patterns.
On China Cargo Airlines’ Paris–Shanghai Launch
Expanding 777F connectivity into Paris positions China Cargo Airlines to benefit from sustained cross-border e-commerce and high-value freight flows. WFS’s handling support adds operational depth, ensuring consistent service quality on a route with strong long-term demand potential.
On Uzbekistan Airways’ A321neo LOI with ICBC
Uzbekistan Airways’ partnership with ICBC Aviation Leasing reflects the growing role of Chinese lessors in Central Asian fleet renewal. Increasing the A321neo fleet aligns with the airline’s strategy to improve unit economics and compete more efficiently on medium-haul markets.
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