10 Apr 2025
#2 April 2025: China Aviation Industry Newsletter
Cathay Group to Operate 300 Return Flights per Week to 20 Chinese Mainland Destinations
The Cathay Group has announced a significantly enhanced schedule between Hong Kong and Mainland China, offering up to 300 return flights per week during peak travel periods. This expansion supports the rising demand for two-way travel and reinforces Hong Kong’s role as a central aviation hub. Services will span 20 key passenger destinations, with increased frequency across several high-demand routes.
China Approves ACJneo Type Certification
The Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) has officially approved the type certificate for the Airbus ACJneo, enabling local registration and operational expansion across China. The certification positions the ACJneo as one of the few large business jets eligible for domestic registration, granting owners greater autonomy and cost efficiency.
Perth and Guangzhou Baiyun Airports Seal Historic Sister Airport Deal
Perth Airport and Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport have signed a Sister Airport Agreement during the Routes Asia Conference 2025. The agreement lays the groundwork for enhanced collaboration in route development, innovation, and bilateral trade. Both airports view this partnership as a strategic alignment, leveraging Guangzhou’s hub status and Perth’s gateway location to strengthen Australia-China connectivity.
Acumen’s Take
On Cathay Group’s Mainland Expansion
The Cathay Group’s expanded Mainland schedule signals growing confidence in intra-Asia and long-haul recovery. By reinforcing Hong Kong’s gateway role, Cathay not only boosts regional connectivity but also positions itself to recapture international transit traffic. Acumen sees this as a strong, market-responsive move aligned with broader recovery trends in Asia-Pacific.
On China’s Approval of the ACJneo
The CAAC’s certification of the ACJneo marks an important regulatory milestone for Airbus Corporate Jets. It opens doors for wider business jet adoption in China and strengthens the ACJneo’s appeal in a market increasingly valuing operational independence and efficiency. Acumen expects this approval to drive more regional interest in ultra-long-range executive jets.
On the Perth–Guangzhou Airport Partnership
The Sister Airport Agreement between Perth and Guangzhou reflects a pragmatic shift toward strategic bilateral alignments in aviation infrastructure. With Asia-Pacific travel resuming momentum, such partnerships can create more resilient and synergised route networks. Acumen views this as a blueprint for future regional collaborations amid a recovering global aviation landscape.
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