Obtain Overflight and Landing Permits in China

December 18, 2024-Flight permits, Regulation-, , , -

Navigating China’s airspace necessitates securing the appropriate overflight and landing permits, a process governed by the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC). Understanding the requirements, lead times, and procedures is essential for compliance and operational efficiency.

Overflight Permits

An overflight permit authorizes an aircraft to traverse Chinese airspace without landing. Operators must submit a formal application to the CAAC, providing detailed information about the flight, including routing, schedule, crew, and passenger details. Applications should be submitted at least 48 hours before the scheduled departure time. It’s important to note that overflight permits are valid only for the approved schedule, and any changes may require a new application.

Landing Permits

For landing at Chinese airports, operators must obtain a landing permit, which involves a more comprehensive process. The application requires:

  • Operator and Aircraft Information: Details about the aircraft and its operator.
  • Routing and Schedule: Including entry and exit points.
  • Crew and Passenger Information: Full names, passport numbers, nationalities, and dates of birth.
  • Purpose of Flight: Clearly stated, noting that tourist flights are not permitted.
  • Local Sponsor Information: A sponsor letter from a local business contact in China is mandatory.

The CAAC requires landing permit applications to be submitted at least three business days in advance, with all necessary documentation included in the initial request. Revisions to the permit are limited to two, each requiring a two-day lead time. Permits for military or domestic-only airports have specific requirements, including sponsor letters from a local government entity and a business contact.

Sponsor Letter Requirements

The sponsor letter must be on company letterhead, written in Chinese, and include the company seal (chop). It should provide the sponsor’s full name, contact details, and position, and the sponsor must be based in the city of the intended visit. This letter is crucial for the CAAC to process the permit application.

Additional Considerations

  • Airport Slot Requirements: Major airports like Beijing Capital (ZBAA), Shanghai Pudong (ZSPD), Guangzhou Baiyun (ZGGG), Shanghai Hongqiao (ZSSS), and Shenzhen Bao’an (ZGSZ) enforce slot requirements. General Aviation (GA) aircraft may not occupy more than two peak-hour slots at these airports, with peak hours generally from 0700 to 2300 local time.
  • Permit Validity and Revisions: Permits are valid only for the approved schedule. Operators are allowed a maximum of two permit revisions, each requiring a two-day lead time. Exceeding this limit necessitates a new permit application.
  • Compensation Fee: China enforces a compensation fee for foreign-registered aircraft, except for those registered in mainland China.

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