06 Nov 2025
#1 November 2025: China Aviation Industry Newsletter
Cathay Flight Training Centre Welcomes New Airbus A320neo Full-Flight Simulator
Cathay has enhanced its training and operational capabilities with the delivery and installation of a new Airbus A320neo full-flight simulator at the Cathay Flight Training Centre in Hong Kong. Manufactured by CAE, the simulator represents the latest generation of the CAE 7000XR series. Chief Operations and Service Delivery Officer Alex McGowan stated, “Cathay and CAE have built a longstanding partnership focused on delivering high-quality training for pilots and crew, with a shared commitment to safety and operational excellence.” The addition strengthens Cathay’s advanced pilot training infrastructure, further integrating CAE’s cutting-edge technology to support future aviation talent and maintain world-class safety standards.
China Eastern Airlines Unveils 2025 Winter–Spring Schedule
China Eastern Airlines (CEA) has announced its comprehensive 2025 winter–spring schedule, featuring expanded capacity and new route offerings that underscore its position among Asia’s largest carriers. Operating a fleet of 820 aircraft, the airline will serve 253 destinations across 39 countries, including 88 international locations. The schedule comprises an average of 3,130 daily flights, with 3,220 international and regional services weekly. CEA’s “Air Express” network will now span 49 routes, operating 899 daily flights, including 66 daily round trips on the Beijing–Shanghai Express — one departure every 30–60 minutes during peak hours. The airline’s integration of China’s domestically built C919 aircraft remains a highlight, with 11 aircraft operating across 12 routes and 10 cities. This schedule reflects CEA’s strategic emphasis on high-frequency connectivity, domestic market dominance, and innovation through the adoption of homegrown aircraft technology.
Turkish Airlines Secures Landmark Financing from Bank of China
Turkish Airlines has secured a five-year financing facility worth 2.9 billion Chinese Yuan (approximately US$412 million) from the Bank of China, arranged through Bank of China Turkey A.Ş. The funding will support the carrier’s fleet expansion, infrastructure projects, and new developments at Istanbul Airport. The transaction underscores growing financial collaboration between Chinese banking institutions and international carriers, particularly as aviation financing continues to diversify amid shifting global capital dynamics. For Turkish Airlines, the deal provides strategic liquidity to advance its long-term network and fleet modernisation plans.
Acumen’s Take
On Cathay’s A320neo Simulator Expansion
Cathay’s investment in next-generation simulator technology demonstrates a sustained commitment to pilot competency and operational excellence. As fleet modernisation accelerates, such infrastructure investments are essential to maintaining training capacity and aligning with global safety standards. This move further cements Cathay’s reputation as a regional benchmark for advanced flight training.
On China Eastern’s Winter–Spring Schedule
CEA’s ambitious schedule rollout signals the airline’s full post-pandemic recovery and strategic intent to dominate China’s domestic trunk routes. The expansion of its “Air Express” network — coupled with the operational deployment of the C919 — illustrates both scale and innovation, reflecting China’s rising self-reliance in commercial aviation manufacturing and airline competitiveness.
On Turkish Airlines’ Bank of China Financing
The financing deal with the Bank of China highlights deepening Sino–Turkish cooperation in aviation finance. For Turkish Airlines, access to yuan-denominated funding supports diversification of its capital base and aligns with its global expansion strategy. For China, it reinforces the country’s growing influence in cross-border aviation financing.
Acumen Aviation © 7 November 2025 All Rights Reserved.
