CAAC validates ACJneo for operations in China
April 1, 2025
The Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) has validated the Airbus ACJneo’s type certificate (TC) for operations in China, opening up opportunities for potential buyers to take advantages associated with local Chinese registration.
Recognising the original type certificate issued by EASA, the new validated type certificate will now enable what Airbus terms “widespread operation in the Chinese mainland market”. President of Airbus Corporate Jets Chadi Saade described the new regulatory permission as a “major market differentiator” for the ACJneo “as it is now one of the very few large business jets available which operators can locally register in mainland China – bringing them significant operational autonomy and lower costs”.
Airbus estimates that Chinese operators in particular will benefit from “extra productivity by opening up autonomous access to many airports across the country”. Additionally, domestic registration will bring tax-related incentives, such as the ability to recognise the aircraft’s operational costs and fuel consumption within their business’ tax obligations.
Based on the A320neo family, the intercontinental ACJneo possesses modifications to reflect its corporate role, including additional auxiliary centre fuel tanks. Powered by either the CFMI Leap or the P&W GTF, the A320neo has a range of up to 6,750nm and a non-stop flight time of over 13 hours. Around 160 A320 Family ACJs are in operation worldwide.
