The history of aviation cooperation between the United States and the People's Republic of China can be traced back to the 1970s, when our two nations began to reestablish diplomatic relations. Today, China’s aviation sector is expanding at annual rates of eight-to-ten percent to meet the air passenger and cargo transportation needs.  This growth in both domestic and international aviation translates into the need for substantial increases in flights, passenger and cargo aircraft capacity, general aviation, air traffic management systems, and upgraded professional training—all of which constitutes a substantial market opportunity for the U.S. aviation sector.

 

The U.S.-China Aviation Cooperation Program (ACP) was jointly created by the United States government and industry partners to promote aviation industry-wide cooperation between the United States and China and to counter aggressive subsidized competition from the EU. 

 

Endorsed by U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC), ACP works cooperatively with China to design programs to promote technical, policy and commercial cooperation, and assist Chinese aviation experts to develop and operate safe and efficient aviation infrastructure by working closely with these aviation agencies in China:

 

Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC)

Chinese Airlines

Chinese Airports

China Aviation Industry Corporation (AVIC)

Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (COMAC)

Civil Aviation Management Institute of China (CAMIC)

Civil Aviation University of China (CAUC)

State ATC Commission

National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC)

IATA

 

ACP has five public members and more than 40 corporate members today.  ACP has organized into six professional committees:

ACP members choose to work with committee according to member interests. Each committee identifies cooperative program priorities and works with CAAC and Chinese aviation industry stakeholders on cooperative initiatives. ACP designs programs win-win to both US and Chinese industry stakeholders.  For example, the ACP General and Regional Aviation Committee is jointly developing Chinese general aviation roadmap, and policy/infrastructure implementation strategies with CAAC and other Chinese industry players.  With this continuing effort, the growth of general aviation will both provide China major economic and social benefits, and help US companies to open the GA market in China.