01 Oct 2026
#1 October 2026: China Aviation Industry Newsletter
U.S. Slows Aircraft-Part Exports To China
The United States has slowed licensing for exports of certain aircraft parts to China as part of wider trade negotiations. The measures are affecting components used by Chinese manufacturers and operators, highlighting the continued exposure of domestic aviation programmes to international supply chains and overseas technology.
Malaysia Airlines And China Southern Expand Codeshare Partnership
Malaysia Airlines and China Southern Airlines will expand their codeshare partnership from 25 October to include five additional routes between Kuala Lumpur and China. The agreement adds Shenzhen, Changsha, Xiamen, Chengdu Tianfu and Zhengzhou, extending cooperation across the carriers’ Kuala Lumpur-China networks.
China Eastern And Aerolineas Argentinas Expand Codeshare
Aerolineas Argentinas has expanded its codeshare partnership with China Eastern from 1 October. The agreement now includes China Eastern’s Shanghai Pudong-Auckland-Buenos Aires service and selected European routes, while China Eastern has added its code to certain Aerolineas Argentinas services within South America.
Hong Kong Airport’s 11 SKIES Project Faces Ownership Change
New World Development has agreed to pay HK$2.3 billion to exit the 11 SKIES commercial development near Hong Kong International Airport. The Hong Kong Airport Authority will take back control of the project, placing its future direction within the wider context of the airport’s non-aeronautical revenue and hub-development strategy.
Acumen’s Take
On U.S.-China Aircraft Supply Chains
The export licensing slowdown highlights the strategic importance of supply-chain resilience for China’s aviation sector. Dependence on overseas systems and components remains a key consideration for domestic aircraft programmes as trade and technology policies evolve.
On Malaysia Airlines And China Southern
The expanded codeshare strengthens connectivity between Malaysia and multiple Chinese markets without requiring both airlines to operate every route independently. Partnership-led network growth can improve market coverage while supporting more efficient capacity deployment.
On China Eastern and Aerolíneas Argentinas
The expanded partnership illustrates the value of codeshare agreements in extending long-haul network reach. For both airlines, the arrangement improves access between China and South America while supporting onward connectivity across their respective regional networks.
On Hong Kong Airport’s 11 SKIES Project
The ownership change at 11 SKIES highlights the importance of commercial development within airport revenue strategies. For major hubs, non-aeronautical assets can play an important role in supporting diversification, passenger experience and wider destination development.
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