China Civil Aviation Industry, Technology, Infrastructure: News & Discussions

[JSCh]

World's largest amphibious aircraft made in China
(Xinhua) Updated: 2016-07-24 07:09

Employees of Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC) take group photo with Chinese national flags in hands in front of the AG600 massive amphibious aircraft, Zhuhai, South China's Guangdong province, July 23, 2016. [Photo/IC]

GUANGZHOU - China has completed production of a massive amphibious aircraft that it plans to use to fight forest fires and perform marine rescue missions.

The AG600 rolled off a production line in the southern city of Zhuhai on Saturday, in what aviation observers see as a milestone for the country.

The aircraft has a maximum take-off weight of 53.5 tonnes, a maximum cruising speed of 500 km per hour, a maximum flight range of 4,500 km, and a maximum endurance of 12 hours, according to state aircraft maker the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC).

The 37-meter-long AG600 with a wingspan of 38.8 meters is by far the world's largest amphibian aircraft, about the size of a Boeing 737, according to AVIC deputy general manager Geng Ruguang.

In addition to taking off and landing like an ordinary plane, the AG600 can also take off and land from stretches of water that are at least 1,500 meters long, 200 meters wide and 2.5 meters deep.

It is destined to become an important part of China's resources for dealing with emergencies. According to the original design, it can collect 12 tonnes of water in 20 seconds, and transport up to 370 tonnes of water on a single tank of fuel.

With excellent maneuverability and a relatively wide range of search scope, the AG600 is capable of rescuing up to 50 people far offshore.

Besides, it is very useful in developing and exploiting marine resources, being adaptable to conduct marine environmental monitoring, resource detection and transportation.

It is the result of nearly seven years of work by a group of 70 aircraft component manufacturers and research teams with over 150 institutes from 20 provinces and municipalities in China. The development and production of the plane received government approval in 2009.

"The AG600 is like a ship that can fly, with advanced gas-water dynamic engineering and underwater corrosion resistance technology," said Huang Lingcai, chief designer of the plane.

According to the AVIC, the AG600 will mainly target the domestic market. Seventeen intent orders have been placed so far.

The unveiling of the AG600 came shortly after Chinese heavy transport aircraft the Y-20 officially entered military service on July 7 and China's first large passenger aircraft, the C919, rolled off the final assembly line in November 2015.

Geng described the AG600 as "the latest breakthrough in China's aviation industry, which demonstrates an overall improvement of China's national strength and research capacity."

 

[JSCh]

Zhuhai plans to create leading base for China's aviation industry
2016-07-24 07:43:30 CRIENGLISH.com Web Editor: Huang Yue

Officials in-charge of Zhuhai's Aviation Industrial Park in Guangdong are hoping to cash-in on the creation of the latest Chinese-produced aircraft.

Saturday's debut of the AG-600 has officials in Zhuhai very excited about the potential the aircraft can bring to the city.

Chen Xu is with the Zhuhai Aviation Industrial Park's Management Committee.

"The Zhuhai Aviation Industrial Park is the only one in Guangdong which focuses on general aviation manufacturing, operating and corporate aircraft services. We want Zhuhai to become the biggest industrial base for airplane production in China."

The roll-out of the AG-600 on Saturday is being touted as an important milestone for the advanced equipment manufacturing industry in China.

It's also part of the broader goal of bringing "three big plane projects to the world."

Zhuhai is home to the China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition.

China's largest airshow is held in the coastal city every 2 years.

Since the Aviation Industrial Park's creation 7-years ago, Zhuhai has managed to attract some 2.5-billion US dollars worth of investments from aircraft makers.

The AG-600's creator, the China Aviation Industry General Aircraft Corporation, is the major investor in Zhuhai.

Huang Liangcai, chief designer of AG600, says most of the work being done at the site is through Chinese-produced technology.

"To manufacture huge aviation equipment like this, we had to develop our own advanced technology. Simply throwing around money is not able to provide us with our core products and technology. We think our work is demonstrating the strength of our country's abilities."

Authorities in Zhuhai plan to invest another 1 billion U.S. dollars into the Aviation Park over the next 3 to 5 years.

The money is likely to be well-spent.

It's estimated that China is going to require around 200-thousand general-purpose aircraft in the next 30-years.

 

[TaiShang]

Let us make it China or Russia. Personally, I believe it should be China, as the Chinese companies were helping Iran all those years of sanctions and never stopped delivering. Russia stopped many times with different projects under US pressure.

Chinese aviation industry must lock on to Iranian market sooner than later. It is huge. They need to practically replace all their jets. Not to mention their airforce needs 100s of fighters. It is time for Iran to show friendship to China.

Yes, China had been, explicitly or implicitly, supporting Iran during the tough times, either by not reducing the crude imports, or by diluting UN resolutions brought to the UNSC by the US.

Obviously, Iran went through hard times and China (and Russia, although Russia would not be assisting Iran by buying crude as itself a crude exporter, thus, competitor of Iran), itself under great pressure and strain by the West/US, did its best to assist.

Now China has been able to offer various platforms for Iran's needs, and it would be both economically and strategically more feasible for Iran to buy those platforms from China.

There is no guarantee that the US Congress initiated another round of sanctions and EU would simply follow it. Buying from the US or EU would only expose Iran more to future contingencies and limit its options.

The fact is that there are only a couple of nations that can stand up to the US and it would make perfect strategic sense to be in good terms with them.

 

[Mangus Ortus Novem]

Yes, China had been, explicitly or implicitly, supporting Iran during the tough times, either by not reducing the crude imports, or by diluting UN resolutions brought to the UNSC by the US.

Obviously, Iran went through hard times and China (and Russia, although Russia would not be assisting Iran by buying crude as itself a crude exporter, thus, competitor of Iran), itself under great pressure and strain by the West/US, did its best to assist.

Now China has been able to offer various platforms for Iran's needs, and it would be both economically and strategically more feasible for Iran to buy those platforms from China.

There is no guarantee that the US Congress initiated another round of sanctions and EU would simply follow it. Buying from the US or EU would only expose Iran more to future contingencies and limit its options.

The fact is that there are only a couple of nations that can stand up to the US and it would make perfect strategic sense to be in good terms with them.

Your analysis is right on the mark, my dear friend.

Presiden Xi was in Iran and was given a warm welcome.

Chiese comanies have been active in practically all sectors of iranian economy.

It is important now that we move into nuclear energy and civil/military aviation sector as well.

J10/JF17 are great platforms and together these will fulfill all of iranian needs.

We can offer then local assembly if they want. But must focus on market entery.

We must persue this.

 

[cirr]

China's AVIC boosts performance in first half of 2016

Jon Grevatt, Bangkok - IHS Jane's Defence Weekly

25 July 2016

The Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC) has attributed double-digit growth in the first half of fiscal year (FY) 2016 to reforms to improve efficiencies, quality and management.

The state-owned company said on 22 July that sales in the six months to the end of June reached CNY153.7 billion (USD23 billion), an increase of 11.4% over the same period in FY15. Net profit climbed 17.8% to CNY7.3 billion.

AVIC's General Manager Tan Ruisong said the company's performance is linked directly with measures introduced by the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission to improve "the quality and efficiency of work arrangements", the promotion of innovation within China's aviation industry, and "solid and effective management" reforms.

 

[Three_Kingdoms]

Zhuhai is blessed with this manufacturing base of an amphibian airplane that is going to be very marketable over time
Following the successful launch of ARJ-21-700, the future of AVIC is very bright
Just to maintain the top quality workmanship and vigorous research, I hope we can solidify our global commercial aviation business worldwide very soon
Again, good luck on the first test flight

 

[Beast]

Zhuhai is blessed with this manufacturing base of an amphibian airplane that is going to be very marketable over time
Following the successful launch of ARJ-21-700, the future of AVIC is very bright
Just to maintain the top quality workmanship and vigorous research, I hope we can solidify our global commercial aviation business worldwide very soon
Again, good luck on the first test flight

The rise of China supercomputer helps cut down design verification time and speed up development pace. Its not surprising the progress of Chinese supercomputer compliment the development of Chinese aviation. It even facilitates the development of China nuclear capabilities.

 

[Mangus Ortus Novem]

The rise of China supercomputer helps cut down design verification time and speed up development pace. Its not surprising the progress of Chinese supercomputer compliment the development of Chinese aviation. It even facilitates the development of China nuclear capabilities.

All industrial building blocks are interrelated. Super computers will certainly accelerate desing and development. Also in genetic medicine.

China must continue to aim for perfection.

Unattainable yet it will keep pushing the scientist and engineers to achieve excellence in all fields.

The interesting part is shortening of development cycles in aviation industry.

How long did it take to develop J10:?

How long it took to develop J20?

How long it took to develop J31?

Each cycle is getting shorter. Now the focus must be towards space vehicles...

 

[cirr]

The rise of China supercomputer helps cut down design verification time and speed up development pace. Its not surprising the progress of Chinese supercomputer compliment the development of Chinese aviation. It even facilitates the development of China nuclear capabilities.

The Taihualight has been optimized for tasks related to the simulation of nuclear wepaons.

Indeed it is fair to say that the Taihulight was developed with the modernization and advancement of China's nuclear arsenals in mind.

 

[JSCh]

Photos: China-Made AC312E Helicopter Completes Successful Maiden Flight
China Aviation Daily | Jul. 28, 2016

On July 28, AC312E, a new light civilian helicopter developed by Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC) completed its maiden flight successfully in Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, marking a significant milestone in the development history of China's civilian helicopters.

Developed on the basis of AC311A helicopter, AC312E is a 4.2-tonne single engine light utility helicopter, seating 9 persons or 600 kilograms of cargo. It was designed for a variety of uses, including business flight, transportation, aerial photography, search and rescue, surveillance, fire-fighting and others.

Launched in 2015, the AC312E is slated for certification by the Civil Aviation Administration of China in 2017. Currently, the manufacturer has won more than 80 orders for the aircraft.

​

http://www.chinaaviationdaily.com/news/54/54543.html

 

[ahojunk]

I agree. This may be too much of a coincidence???

--------
Avic AG600 Unveiled, Linked To South China Sea
Avic’s new amphibian is hailed as match for claimed maritime territory
Jul 29, 2016 Bradley Perrett | Aviation Week & Space Technology

One week an international tribunal declares that China has no basis for its claims in the South China Sea. The next week Avic unveils an amphibious aircraft that it and state media hail as a tool for operating in the asserted maritime territory. Coincidence? Maybe. The AG600 amphibian was already due to appear some time this year. But the timing was certainly convenient to the government and Avic, providing outstanding propaganda to feed to a public eager for signs of action on the ...

 

[ahojunk]

http://www.ecns.cn/cns-wire/2016/07-29/220451.shtml
China Eastern, China Southern airlines to move base to new airport in Beijing
2016-07-29 16:07 | Ecns.cn | Editor: Mo Hong'e

A design sketch of Beijing's new airport in Daxing. (Photo/ccaonline.cn)​

(ECNS) -- Beijing will determine an airline's use of airports according to its membership in airline alliances, Beijing Youth Daily reported.

Members of Star Alliance, including Air China, will continue using the current Beijing Capital International Airport.

Airlines belonging to Sky Team Alliance, such as China Eastern and China Southern, will move to the new Beijing Daxing International Airport set to become the largest airport terminal in the world.

The plan says China Eastern and China Southern would handle 40 percent of passengers at the new airport, which will also serve a number of smaller airlines.

Air China is expected to take advantage of the space for further development when China Eastern and China Southern finish their move in four years.

At a cost of 79.98 billion yuan ($13.11 billion), construction on the new airport started in December 2014 and will take about five years to complete. The new airport is expected to meet Beijing's rising demand for air transport and help balance development between the capital city's north and south.

But with the two airports 67 kilometers apart in straight distance, misunderstood departure information could cause a huge waste of time for travelers if they arrive at the wrong airport, the report said.

 

[ahojunk]

Great. There should be punishment for bad behavour.

--------
Passengers using mobile phone on planes face $7,500 fine
(China Daily) 13:32, August 10, 2016

Passengers using mobile phones on planes might face 50,000 yuan ($7,515) fine, according to a latest draft amendment to the country's Civil Aviation Law that was published on Monday by the Civil Aviation Administration of China.

The draft amendment has added a new chapter regulating 14 types of behaviors that endanger civil aviation safety and disturb order.

The activities include using mobile phones, smoking, forcibly occupying seats, blocking channels and gates, breaking into airports and planes, beating crew and other workers, fighting, spreading rumors and causing troubles.

When people conduct behavior that does not fall under the Criminal Law but violates the Public Security Administration Punishment Law, they would face a fine up to 50,000 yuan.

The draft amendment has also revised articles to make the aviation companies shoulder more responsibility in ensuring flights safety and passengers' interests. Companies must set up sound management system to prevent and minimize civil aviation accidents.

When flights are delayed, the airlines should inform passengers and provide related services. Aviation companies are encouraged to buy insurance for passengers to secure travelers' interests.

If pilots intentionally break the law, their license will be cancelled, and they would be barred from any commercial flight activities for two years.

The Civil Aviation Administration of China published the draft amendment on its official website on Monday and people can email their opinions until Sept 6 to airlaw@caac.gov.cn, or fax 010-64016870.

 

[JSCh]

AC311A Helicopter Gets CAAC Type Certificate
By Lena Ge, China Aviation Daily | Aug. 16, 2016

File photo of AC311A/Xinhua​

AC311A, a light civilian helicopter jointly developed by AVIC Helicopter Co. (Avicopter) and Changhe Aircraft Industry Group, was officially certificated on Tuesday, August 16, marking a crucial step forward for the jet's entry into the market.

The Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) issued a type certificate to Avicopter during a ceremony held in Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, allowing commercial operation of AC311A helicopter.

Developed on the basis of AC311 helicopter, AC311A, nicknamed "Air Wizard", is a 2-tonne single engine light utility helicopter, seating 6 persons.

The AC311A helicopter improved its maximum takeoff weight to 2,250kg, as well as high-altitude performance and over-all properties. It is designed for business flying, transportation, aerial photography, firefighting, agriculture, forestry spraying, emergency rescue, police and law enforcement, especially at high altitudes.

At present, Avicopter has developed a series of AC civil helicopters in a relatively complete pedigree, including the one-tonne AC310 helicopter, the two-tonne AC311 helicopter, the four-tonne AC312 helicopter, the 7-tonne AC352 helicopter and 13-tonne AC313 helicopter.

 

[ahojunk]

It's better for China to develop its own pilots rather than poaching them from overseas.

--------
Foreign pilots cash in on Chinese airline boom
2016-08-19 16:52:01 CRIENGLISH.com Web Editor: Wang Kun

File photo shows an airplane was taking off at Beijing Capital International Airport. [Photo: Xinhua]
​

For foreign pilots looking for sky high salaries maybe Chinese airlines are the answer.

32 year old Giacomo Palombo is a former United Airlines pilot. In an interview with the financial media company Bloomberg, he revealed he was being bombarded every week with offers to fly Airbus A320s in China. Regional carrier Qingdao Airlines is offering as much as $318,000 a year. Sichuan Airlines, which flies to Canada and Australia, is pitching a salary of $302,000 each year. Both airlines offer to cover his income tax bill in China.

Today he works as a consultant for McKinsey & Co in Atlanta, but he says – if he is ever tempted to go back to flying - he will definitely consider the lucrative offers from Chinese airlines.

The average annual salary for senior pilots at major U.S. airlines such as Delta is only $209,000, according to the latest data from KitDarby.com Aviation Consulting.

The demand for experienced pilots in China is colossal. Recruitment agencies often ask carriers how many pilots they need, to which the answer is almost always, "as many as possible".

China's booming aviation market and a shortage of experienced domestic pilots have contributed to the large demand, and consequently the fat paychecks foreign pilots can receive.

That rampant aviation market is fuelled by the rapid rise of the Chinese middle class, who have increasing amounts of money to spend on luxuries such as tourism.

The numbers of airlines cashing in on this growth in China has also increased by 28% to 55 in the past 5 years. The number of aircraft they operate has also tripled in the past ten years to reach 2,650, according to Civil Aviation Industry Statistics Report.

China's cabinet, the State Council, has also promised to build 500 and more general airports across the country by the year 2020. The number stood around 300 in 2015.

Experts say that air traffic over China is expected to almost quadruple in the next two decades, and it's estimated Chinese airlines will need to recruit almost 100 pilots a week during that period.

The low-cost airlines sector is also expanding rapidly. These airlines favor smaller single-aisle jets such as the A320, which can seat about 180 people. With a growing number of travelers, carriers are having to schedule a greater number of flights to handle the demand, which in turn requires more pilots.

The lack of domestic qualified pilots has also been blamed on an immature pilot-training process, with many airlines falling over themselves to pay top wages in the scramble to employ the most experienced piloting professionals from overseas.