08 Oct 2026

#2 October 2026: China Aviation Industry Newsletter

CAAC Introduces New Domestic Route And Flight Allocation Measures

The Civil Aviation Administration of China has introduced new measures to improve the allocation and utilisation of domestic route and flight resources from the 2026/27 winter-spring season. The framework will consider factors including existing carrier presence, passenger load factors and traffic volumes, while strengthening oversight of operating licences, flight execution and underused permissions.

BOC Aviation Executes 54 Transactions During Third Quarter

BOC Aviation completed 54 transactions during the third quarter of 2026, including aircraft purchase commitments, deliveries, owned-aircraft sales and lease commitments. Its total portfolio stood at 812 aircraft and engines owned, managed and on order, while cash collection from airline customers remained at 99.2% for the first nine months of the year.

Air China Cargo Adds Fourteenth Boeing 777 Freighter

Air China Cargo added Boeing 777F B-229D to its fleet on 1 October, taking its total number of 777 freighters to 14. The carrier now operates 24 active freighters and is also preparing to introduce 10 Airbus A350F aircraft as part of its longer-term cargo fleet renewal and expansion.

Acumen’s Take

On China’s Route Allocation Measures

The revised allocation framework points to a more structured approach to domestic capacity deployment and route utilisation. Greater scrutiny of traffic performance and unused permissions could encourage airlines to align network growth more closely with underlying demand and operational efficiency.

On BOC Aviation’s Third-Quarter Activity

BOC Aviation’s transaction volume reflects continued portfolio activity across aircraft acquisition, leasing and sales. A young owned fleet, long remaining lease terms and strong cash collection provide important indicators of portfolio quality and operating resilience.

On Air China Cargo’s Fleet Expansion

Air China Cargo’s additional 777 freighter supports further long-haul cargo capacity while the planned A350F introduction points to future fleet renewal. The combination of current-generation and next-generation freighters can provide flexibility as the carrier develops its medium- and long-haul cargo network.

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