Private Jet Flight Support in China
With over 235 million passengers traveling through Chinese airports annually, the country’s airspace is one of the busiest in the world. Flying in Chinese skies means careful planning and following strict rules for pilots and crew.
China mandates that all aircraft obtain an overflight or landing permit before entering its airspace or landing at its airports, with applications typically submitted three days in advance. Proactive flight support in China ensures that all necessary documentation is prepared and submitted on time, facilitating smooth operations and compliance with the China Civil Aviation Authority’s requirements.
Solid flight and operations support is key to handling these demands, and keeping everything up to date. It’s all about ensuring no detail is overlooked, so your flight goes off without a hitch — because who wants to end up in the wrong part of China?
Flight Planning and Coordination
Landing Permits
All airports in China require a landing permit, which must be obtained at least 24 hours before your scheduled arrival. Careful flight support and specifically, China operations support planning are essential. Most Fixed Base Operators (FBOs) charge extra for short-notice flights. It’s crucial to have robust flight support systems to manage these requirements efficiently.
Preferred Routing
China follows a preferential routing system published by the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC). Random routes are not allowed, so ensure compliance with the specified routes. Reliable flight support in China requires adherence to these guidelines to avoid complications. The complexity of China’s airspace makes flight support a specialized field, necessitating Icarus Jet’s experienced professionals on the trip because nobody wants to play airspace bingo over China!
Airport Considerations
Key Airports
From 0900L to 2300L, aircraft cannot perform arrival and departure movements at these airports. Parking at major airports is limited, requiring aircraft to be moved after landing.
- ZLXY (Xi’an Xianyang International Airport): Operational 24/7, but no departures between 0700L and 0900L. Customs, Immigration, and Quarantine (CIQ) clearance is done at the main terminal.
- ZSSS (Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport): Curfew from 0100L to 0600L. FBO CIQ services are available from 0630 to 2200 local time. ATS can extend CIQ services if needed.
- ZSPD (Shanghai Pudong International Airport): Open 24 hours.
- ZGSZ (Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport): Operational 24/7. FBO CIQ is available from 0930L to 2000L; passengers must use the main terminal outside these hours.
- ZYCC (Changchun Longjia International Airport): Operational hours are from 0200-0630 local time with CIQ hours from 0700-2200 local time. There is limited overnight parking so we encourage applying in advance. For international flights, schedules should be submitted at least 3 working days in advance. For domestic flights, schedules are sent at least 2 working days in advance.
When choosing between ZSSS and ZSPD, note that ZSSS is more convenient due to shorter shuttle times, less taxiing, and its proximity to downtown. The drive comparison is 26 vs. 42 minutes, a significant consideration for swift trip support.
Which documents do I need for a private jet trip to China?
This is a standard procedure, and most of these documents are required at most destinations worldwide. Ensure the following documents are on board to streamline China operations and flight support:
- Aircraft Registration
- Noise Certificate
- Certificate of Airworthiness
- Certificate of Insurance
- Radio Certificate
What are the crew visa requirements in China?
Mandatory Visa
All flight crew members must have a valid Chinese Visa regardless of nationality. Both crew and passengers must apply in advance for a visa from the consulate/embassy of their country of residence. Provide the following details for the crew invitation letter:
- Full company name and detailed address.
- Chinese embassy or consulate for visa application.
- Specify crew or business visa.
- Flight itinerary.
If crew members enter China as passengers on commercial flights (without a visa), they can only operate domestic legs. Proper trip support includes ensuring all visa requirements are met well in advance.
What are the route options for flying into China?
Option 1: North Route
The northern route is an option for private jets flying from the West. Overflying countries and their lead time for permits include:
- Azerbaijan: Confirmed by FPL.
- Armenia: Confirmed by FPL.
- Turkey: 24 hours notice.
- Cyprus: 24 hours notice.
Option 2: Southern Route (via India)
Flights from Prior Reference Countries (PRC) such as China, North Korea, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iraq, Somalia, Nigeria, and others require three working days to get authorization to overfly in India. This is part of the airport operations support needed for flights to and from China. Overflying countries and their lead time for permits include:
- Myanmar: 72 hours notice.
- India: 4 working days.
- Bangladesh: 24 hours notice.
- Oman: 24 hours notice.
- United Arab Emirates: 24 hours.
- Qatar: 24 hours.
- Bahrain: 24-48 hours upon request.
- Saudi Arabia: 24 hours.
WHAT OUR CLIENTS ARE SAYING
Empowering Humans and leaving a trail of genius
Consistent flight support, including detailed trip and operations support, is crucial for navigating the complex requirements of flying into China. By adhering to these guidelines and ensuring all permits and documents are in order, Icarus Jet can facilitate a smooth and efficient flight experience. Our expertise in flight support in China is compliant with all aviation regulations and optimizes flight operations.
Call +1 888 277 7203 or email fltops@icarusjet.com to inquire about our trip support packages.