Key facts
- China's civil aviation industry released a development plan for 2026-2030.
- The plan aims for world-class safety, services, and infrastructure by 2030.
- Key focuses include technological innovation, green development, and international competitiveness.
- China's C919 airliner is set to launch its first international route and has completed high-altitude variant tests.
- Development of the C929 widebody airliner and domestic jet engines is being prioritized.
China's civil aviation industry is set to undergo significant development between 2026 and 2030, according to a new five-year plan released by the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC). The plan aims to elevate the sector to world-class standards in safety, service capacity, and infrastructure by 2030, with a strong emphasis on technological innovation, green and low-carbon development, and improved governance.
The strategy prioritizes smart, green, and integrated development, with safety as the foundational principle. This approach is intended to bolster national strategies, stimulate regional economic growth, and enhance air travel accessibility for the public. The industry's performance in the first half of 2026 shows steady expansion, with total transport turnover increasing by 6.4% year-on-year. International travel also saw growth, with passenger trips up 5.7% and cargo volume surging by 13.9%.
Key objectives include strengthening global competitiveness, positioning China as a major hub in international aviation networks, and increasing its participation in the global aviation value chain. Major gateways like Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou are expected to play more prominent roles. The plan also highlights a significant focus on air cargo, aiming to improve links with traditional and emerging markets and support integrated logistics providers.
Technological self-reliance and digital transformation are central to the plan, alongside a commitment to green initiatives such as developing an aviation carbon market and reducing emissions. The plan also supports the development of low-altitude civil aviation.
In parallel, China's domestic aviation manufacturing ambitions are advancing. The C919 airliner is preparing for its first scheduled international route and has completed testing of a high-altitude variant. Efforts are also underway to accelerate the development of a widebody C929 airliner and domestically designed jet engines, with combined orders exceeding 1,200 aircraft.