Why Buying a Used Aircraft in China Is Different—And How to Do It Right
For global buyers, China's used aircraft market represents a compelling opportunity. With a rapidly maturing aviation sector and a growing inventory of well-maintained aircraft, the potential for value is significant. However, the path to a successful transaction is paved with unique regulatory and procedural complexities that differ markedly from other markets.
At Sky-wing, we’ve guided countless international clients through this intricate landscape. What follows is an honest look at the real challenges—and how to overcome them with the right partner.
The Unseen Hurdles in China's Aircraft Market
1. The Foundation: Corporate and Regulatory Gatekeepers
The journey doesn't begin with selecting an aircraft. It begins with verifying whether your trading partner can legally operate.
· Business License with Import-Export Rights: A standard business license is not enough. It must explicitly include "import and export of aircraft" in its scope of operations. Without this, a transaction cannot clear Chinese Customs.
· Access to Critical Systems: Legal eligibility is just step one. The company must be integrated into China's customs and civil aviation digital ecosystems to file paperwork and obtain clearances.
The Bottom Line: If a seller or agent cannot immediately provide proof of these fundamental credentials, proceed with caution.
International transactions require handling foreign currency under China's regulated financial system.
· Dedicated Foreign Currency Account: Essential for receiving international payments.
· Foreign Exchange Compliance: All transactions must be reported to and approved by the State Administration of Foreign Exchange (SAFE), requiring specific expertise to avoid costly delays.
3. The Aviation-Specific Labyrinth: CAAC Approvals
This is the core of aircraft transactions, governed by the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC).
· General Aviation Operating License: Without this qualification, it will be impossible to complete aircraft registration and ferry flight delivery; if entrusting another company to handle it on your behalf, it may also lead to unexpected troubles.
· The Crucial AMOS System: Access to the CAAC's Aircraft Maintenance and Operation System is critical. It is the only portal to:
· Apply for the Export Certificate of Airworthiness, the official document proving the aircraft is airworthy upon leaving China.
· Secure the Certificate of Deregistration, which releases the aircraft from the Chinese registry so it can be registered in its new country.
· Technical Expertise: Preparing these documents requires in-depth knowledge of CAAC regulations and airworthiness standards.
4. The Invisible Asset: Experience
Beyond paperwork lies the nuanced understanding of timing, negotiation, inspection logistics, and cultural communication. An experienced partner anticipates problems before they arise and manages the timeline to prevent document expiration or financial penalties.
Our Solution: Turning Complexity into Confidence
This complex landscape is precisely why Sky-wing exists. We don't just facilitate transactions; we provide a complete bridge between international buyers and the Chinese market.
We are your turnkey solution:
· Full Compliance Guaranteed: Our credentials—from our import-export business license to our CAAC permits and AMOS access—are the foundation of every deal. We ensure 100% regulatory compliance.
· End-to-End Process Management: We handle the entire journey:
· Sourcing & Verification: Identifying the right asset and conducting thorough technical and documentary due diligence.
· Financial & Customs Facilitation: Managing foreign exchange compliance and all customs clearance procedures.
· CAAC Certification: Securing the all-important Export C of A and Deregistration Certificate efficiently.
· Delivery & Logistics: Coordinating disassembly, shipping, and ferry flight arrangements.
· Your On-the-Ground Expert: We navigate the bureaucracy, manage vendor relationships, and translate not just language, but business practices, saving you months of effort and mitigating risk
A Success Story: From Inquiry to Delivery
Consider a recent transaction with a European leasing company. They identified a promising aircraft with a Chinese operator. However, the operator had no experience with exports. Within days, we:
1. Structured the payment through our forex channels.
2. Managed the entire CAAC application process for the client.
3. Coordinated the pre-buy inspection and ferry flight logistics.
The aircraft was delivered with full documentation 4 months after the initial offer—a timeline that would have been impossible without an integrated local expert.
Your Action Plan for a Successful Purchase
1. Prioritize Qualification: Start conversations with any potential partner by asking for proof of their business license scope and aviation permits.
2. Demand Transparency: Request a detailed, step-by-step project plan outlining how they will handle each regulatory milestone.
3. Verify Track Record: Ask for references and case studies of similar export transactions completed in the last 18 months.
4. Choose an Integrated Partner: Opt for a single point of responsibility that controls the entire chain—regulatory, financial, and logistical.
Purchasing a used aircraft in China offers exceptional value, but that value is only accessible through expertise. The market's complexity is not a barrier—it is a filter that separates speculative traders from true professional partners.
At Sky-wing, we transform these daunting hurdles into a smooth, reliable process. We possess the keys to the kingdom: the licenses, the system access, and the proven experience. We don't just help you buy an aircraft; we ensure it takes off from China and lands successfully in your fleet.
Let's discuss your requirements. Contact us today for a confidential consultation and see how we can clear the runway for your next acquisition.
Sky-wing – Your Trusted Partner for Aircraft Acquisition in China.
Ready to navigate with confidence? Visit our website at www.aircraftsales.cn or email us at deng@aircraftsales.cn to start the conversation.