Business aviation operators currently operating humanitarian and cargo flights to China may urgently require a CCAR-129 approval to ensure their missions stay on schedule. The Civil Aviation Authority of China allows foreign operators to operate a limited number of flights without having a CCAR-129 approval. Without CCAR-129 approval, the number of flights cannot exceed 10 within the period of a year. Here’s everything that you need to know about CCAR-129 and how we can help you get it.

What is CCAR-129?

CCAR-129 is a regulation that ensures frequent operators to China are complying with CAAC operational and safety standards and requirements. To ensure this, the CCAR-129 regulation was implemented under which operator approvals are reviewed and checked for compliance with CAAC regulations.

Who needs a CCAR-129?

Any foreign air carrier who:

Holds an Air Operator Certificate and appropriate Operations Specifications, approved and issued by the Civil Aviation Authority of the State of the Operator (CAA) authorizing it to conduct public air transportation
Operates airplanes or helicopters into and out of China to provide scheduled public air transportation or non-scheduled public air transportation (29-seat rule)

Please note that public air transportation refers to aircraft operations transporting passengers, baggage, mail or freight for commercial purposes.

When is this regulation applicable?

When you are preparing scheduled operations to China, CCAR-129 is necessary
If you are preparing non-scheduled operations to China, CCAR-129 will be required when you operate more than 10 flights per consecutive 12 months

What is the difference between CCAR-129 and traffic rights?

They are very different things. To operate commercial non-scheduled flights to China an operator will need:

Traffic rights
Landing permit
Slots

The CCAR 129 approval is a basic requirement to get the traffic right approval. Operators with less than 10 flights within the previous 12 months are exempted of the CCAR-129 until they reach the benchmark of 10 flights within 12 consecutive months, after that when you applying for traffic rights, the operator is requested to provide relevant approval part of CCAR-129.

Is application through aircraft registration or aircraft type?

The CCAR-129 approval is valid only for the applied aircraft registry, airport, and other details that you applied.

I am a scheduled operator; do I need an ITP to apply on my behalf?

UAS can apply for the CCAR-129 on behalf of any operator who needs it, operators can also apply themselves.

How long will it take to get?

CCAR-129 can take between 60-90 days to process, sometimes this is shorter for humanitarian fights. UAS can significantly expedite this because we review and check all documents before application to reduce potential delays. The average time mentioned can vary if the operator doesn’t provide all necessary documents and translations, has insufficient documents, or any delays occur.

Please note: A central component of CCAR-129 is an SGHA between the operator and the airport and cannot be substituted by any ITP under normal circumstances. UAS can act on behalf of the operator to communicate with the airport for the SGHA processing to reduce the time significantly and arrange handling on behalf of the operator.

Our team based in Beijing has CCAR-129 expertise and application experience to take you through the process of obtaining or renewing your CCAR-129. If you need support obtaining or renewing your CCAR-129 certificate quickly, economically, and stress-free, click here.