27 Jun 2025
#4 June 2025: China Aviation Industry Newsletter
Acron Aviation and China Southern Sci-Tech Sign MoU to Develop Full Flight Simulators in China
At the International Paris Air Show, Acron Aviation and China Southern Sci-Tech signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to form a strategic partnership focused on the development and deployment of full flight simulators across China. The collaboration aims to significantly advance simulator-based pilot training in the region. By combining Acron Aviation’s simulation expertise with China Southern Sci-Tech’s operational reach, the initiative is set to strengthen aviation training infrastructure and better prepare China’s expanding pool of flight crews.
China Eastern Airlines Announces New Shanghai–Buenos Aires Route via Auckland
China Eastern Airlines has announced plans to launch a new international service in December, connecting Shanghai and Buenos Aires with a stop in Auckland, New Zealand. This will be the first direct air link between China and Argentina, and is being promoted under the brand “Southern Pass.” Operating twice weekly with Boeing 777 aircraft, the route offers a faster and more convenient alternative to conventional pathways through Europe or North America.
China Eastern has also applied for fifth freedom rights to carry passengers and cargo between Auckland and Buenos Aires. If approved, this would enhance regional trade and tourism connectivity. To meet increasing demand, the airline is also considering expanding its Shanghai–Auckland service from seven to nine flights per week. The new service is currently pending regulatory approval.
ExecuJet Haite and Shanghai Starjet Forge Strategic Partnership to Advance Business Aviation in China
ExecuJet Haite Aviation Services China and Shanghai Starjet Business Aviation have entered a strategic cooperation agreement to advance business aviation services in the country. The partnership aims to enhance operational efficiency, raise safety standards, and deliver superior customer service by combining the strengths of two of China’s foremost business aviation providers.
The collaboration will focus on aircraft lifecycle management and aims to support the growing demand for high-quality services for premium fleet clients, particularly those operating ACJ and Gulfstream aircraft. Mr Yang Hua, Chairman of Starjet, remarked, “Partnering with ExecuJet Haite is a pivotal step for Starjet. Their globally recognised certifications and strong engineering support ensure we deliver a secure, worry-free, and premium experience. Together, we aim to raise the bar for China’s business aviation industry and accelerate its standardisation and internationalisation.”
Acumen’s Take
On Acron Aviation and China Southern Sci-Tech’s MoU:
The agreement highlights China’s increasing focus on building localised pilot training infrastructure. As simulator demand grows alongside domestic fleet expansion, this partnership demonstrates a strategic move to internalise capabilities that have traditionally relied on overseas providers.
On China Eastern’s Shanghai–Buenos Aires Route via Auckland:
This proposed route marks a landmark development in intercontinental connectivity, reflecting both commercial ambition and geopolitical outreach. The potential for fifth freedom traffic rights is commercially significant, with strong implications for cargo volumes and network optimisation across the Southern Hemisphere.
On ExecuJet Haite and Shanghai Starjet’s Strategic Partnership:
Business aviation in China is entering a phase of consolidation and service elevation. This alliance strengthens vertical integration in the high-end aircraft management segment and reinforces a trend toward internationally aligned MRO and operational standards for ACJ and Gulfstream operators in the region.
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