China's cargo carriers given older aircraft boost

摘要

China is looking to lift its 15-year age limit on imported freighter aircraft, giving a boost to Chinese cargo airlines wishing to source secondhand aircraft. Civil Aviation Administration of China director-general of airworthiness Zhang Hong-ying says "it is something we are discussing and considering", but if the CAAC increases the age limit it will come with new regulations for air operators and aircraft leasing firms to ensure older freighters still meet airworthiness standards. When asked to explain the rationale behind the proposed move, he says: ''We cannot simply evaluate aircraft by the number of years."