March 1, 2025, marks a significant regulatory change for business aviation operators planning flights to China. The Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) has upgraded its “Preflight” landing permit application management system, introducing new documentation requirements that all operators must satisfy.

New Documentation Requirements

Effective March 1, 2025, all business aircraft operating to China must provide the following documents through the updated CAAC Preflight system:

1. Aircraft Nationality Registration Certificate

2. Airworthiness Certificate

3. Radio Station License

4. Insurance Certificate

5. Noise Certificate

6. Cabin Layout / Floor Plan

7. Authorization Letter

The Authorization Letter deserves special attention, as it combines two previously separate authorizations into a single document. This letter serves to:

• Authorize your ground handler (e.g., Universal Aviation China) as your long-term handling agent in China

• Provide trip-specific authorization for your upcoming operation

Authorization Letter Signing Requirements

The good news is that CAAC has implemented flexible signing requirements for the Authorization Letter:

• Any employee of the operator may sign the document

• No specific position or title is required

• A standard company stamp is sufficient

• No notarization or special seals are needed

New Requirement: Aircraft Pre-Registration (If Not Already Registered)

In addition to uploading the required aircraft documents, the CAAC now requires aircraft to be registered in the Preflight system at least 5 working days in advance of the landing permit application — but only if the aircraft has not already been registered by Universal Aviation China (or your selected handler).

• If your aircraft has already been registered, this step does not need to be repeated.
• If your aircraft is new to China operations or not yet registered, you will not be able to apply for a landing permit until registration is complete.

We strongly recommend proactively registering any aircraft that may operate to China, even if no immediate trip is planned. This helps prevent permit delays in urgent cases or aircraft substitutions (e.g., for AOG situations).

What This Means for Your Operations

These changes represent a streamlining of CAAC’s documentation process by consolidating authorizations, while also requiring more comprehensive documentation upfront. The biggest operational shift is the need for advance aircraft registration for unregistered aircraft.

For operators with established China operations, this primarily means confirming your aircraft is already registered and ensuring all required documents are current and available in digital format. For those planning their first trips to China, the new rules highlight the value of working with an experienced handler who understands CAAC’s evolving system.

How Universal Aviation China Can Assist

When you choose Universal Aviation China as your handling agent, we will:

• Provide a template for the new combined Authorization Letter

• Guide you through the updated documentation process

• Register your aircraft in the CAAC Preflight system (if not already done)

• Submit required documents on your behalf

• Monitor the status of your landing permit application

• Notify you of any future regulatory changes

We will also send reminders for specific trips to ensure your documentation is always in compliance ahead of your schedule.

Looking Ahead

These changes reflect CAAC’s continued efforts to modernize and streamline its aviation regulatory systems. While the process now involves more initial documentation and a one-time aircraft registration requirement, the consolidation of authorizations offers long-term efficiencies.

Operators are advised to act now by ensuring their aircraft are registered in the CAAC Preflight system and all documentation is current—especially ahead of high-demand seasons or missions requiring rapid deployment.