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."
He adds that "it depends who is the original operator", the aircraft's maintenance history "and the maintenance capability" of the Chinese carrier that plans to operate the aircraft.
Zhang declines to give a timeframe for implementation of the proposed changes.
He says that while his department may be quick to reach a decision, it will take time to implement changes to the regulations as they need approval from the CAAC minister and vice-minister.
China's 15-year age limit on imported freighter aircraft has been a problem for some Chinese carriers. The most popular narrowbody freighter in China is the Boeing 737-300, but many aircraft of this type are older than 15 years.
Source: FlightGlobal.com
