USTDA Partners with CAAC on Aviation Sustainability and General Aviation

(USTDA) ARLINGTON, Va. – The U.S. Trade and Development Agency signed two grants today with the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC). USTDA is pleased to support the first large-scale bilateral aviation environmental initiative, the U.S.-China Aviation Green Route Initiative. This program will bring together public and private aviation stakeholders to identify ways to reduce emissions during aviation operations, thereby reducing greenhouse gases in an effort to combat climate change.

This project will explore how best to utilize business practices, services, and technologies that foster fuel efficiency and emissions reduction throughout all phases of flight operations. Through this grant, several U.S. companies will demonstrate the important role their emissions-reducing technologies can play during a flight’s entire life cycle, from gate-to-gate.

“I am so pleased to see this sustainability initiative moving forward,” said USTDA Director Leocadia I. Zak. “The U.S.-China Aviation Cooperation Program (ACP) has always been at the forefront of addressing evolving global challenges facing the industry. This is yet another example demonstrating the ACP’s initiative and resolve to enhance cooperation between the two countries.”

In addition to supporting aviation emissions reduction in China, USTDA also concluded an agreement to support continued development of China’s general and business aviation sectors. Funding for this activity builds on a long-term commitment by USTDA, CAAC and the ACP to advance the opening of China’s airspace for increased general and business aviation operations. Specifically, this program will focus on several key areas in the general aviation sector including aeromedical services, standards for general aviation airports, helicopter performance training, business model best practices, and next generation business jet performance training. This program will continue to assist the CAAC open the operation of low altitude airspace in China. The grant will also support the development of regulations to facilitate a robust general aviation sector in China.

“China’s expanding general aviation sector presents tremendous opportunities for U.S. companies and we are pleased to partner with CAAC in supporting this important initiative,” said Director Zak.

President of Boeing China and ACP Co-chair John Bruns said “initiatives like these provide valuable benefits, and positively affect the environment globally, and best practices for the future.”