Take-Off Of A New Technical Cooperation Action Implemented By EASA And CAAC

A new chapter in EU-China aviation relations started today, with the official launch of the EU-China Aviation Partnership Project (APP). The 5-year, €10 million (approx. $11 million) project, managed by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and partners, will link technical cooperation with policy dialogue between the European and Chinese aviation authorities. It is funded by the Partnership Instrument of the European Union and supported by the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC).

The project follows a new cooperation approach with the activities being jointly implemented by EASA and CAAC for the first time. It was launched at a ceremony in Beijing, in the presence of Mr. Dietmar Schweisgut, European Union Ambassador to China, Mr. Feng Zhenglin, Administrator of CAAC and EASA Executive Director, Mr. Patrick Ky.

“Aviation is a strong driver of economic growth, jobs, trade and mobility for the European Union," said Dietmar Schweisgut, EU Ambassador. "With China’s aviation market growing fast it makes perfect sense for two of the world’s largest aviation markets to work closely together.”

“We are building with CAAC the foundation for a strong EU-China Aviation Partnership," said Patrick Ky, EASA Executive Director (pictured). "It will increase cooperation and mutual understanding on key areas such as safety and environmental protection; it will also allow for better exchange of best practices and standards between industry players.”

”With the efforts of the EU and China, the EU-China Aviation Partnership Project will start a new era of broader and deeper cooperation in civil aviation and will promote the development of all aspects of the EU-China civil aviation relationship on the basis of mutual benefit,” said Feng Zhenglin, CAAC Administrator.

The EU-China APP will focus on the following areas of mutual interest:

• Aviation safety and security
• General aviation
• Air Traffic Management/Air Navigation Services
• Airports
• Airworthiness
• Environmental protection
• Economic policy and regulation
• Legislation and Law Enforcement

Dedicated activities will be implemented in these areas including regulatory cooperation, safety promotion exercises, workshops, training and technical exchanges.

(Source: EASA news release)

FMI: www.eu-china-app.org