Sichuan Airlines hosted the 2025 China-ASEAN Airlines Conference, bringing together 53 airlines and two partner organizations to explore enhanced aviation cooperation under the theme “Seizing New Opportunities, Building New Development.” The event marked a significant step in strengthening air connectivity between China and Southeast Asia, with participants addressing critical issues including route optimization, regional aircraft operations, and air logistics coordination.
Deepening Regional Aviation Integration
Since the establishment of the China-ASEAN air transport arrangement mechanism in 2006, aviation cooperation has flourished, now connecting 33 Chinese mainland destinations with ASEAN nations. The conference highlighted how this growing network supports the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between China and ASEAN, while identifying new opportunities for market expansion and operational efficiency improvements.
Airline Leaders Share Strategic Insights
During thematic sessions, major carriers including Air China, China Eastern, Garuda Indonesia, and Vietnam Airlines exchanged operational experiences. Discussions centered on leveraging international cooperation and hub connectivity to better serve regional market demands. Participants emphasized the importance of optimizing route networks to enhance both passenger convenience and airline profitability in the competitive ASEAN-China corridor.
Spotlight on China’s C909 Regional Jet
A dedicated roundtable examined the operational potential of COMAC’s C909 narrow-body aircraft in ASEAN markets. Airlines including Chengdu Airlines and Vietjet Air praised the aircraft’s economic and environmental advantages for regional routes. The session demonstrated growing regional interest in Chinese-made aircraft as viable alternatives to established manufacturers, particularly for developing ASEAN nations’ domestic aviation capabilities.
Strengthening Air Logistics Collaboration
Cargo specialists from Air China Cargo, China Southern Cargo, and Singapore Airlines led discussions on stabilizing regional supply chains. With e-commerce driving unprecedented demand, participants advocated for closer cooperation to mitigate global market fluctuations. The session produced concrete recommendations for standardizing procedures and infrastructure development to support the air logistics sector’s sustainable growth.
Charting the Future of China-ASEAN Aviation
The conference concluded with commitments to implement practical cooperation measures across multiple fronts. Airlines agreed to establish working groups for route coordination and operational standards alignment, while manufacturers pledged continued aircraft development tailored to regional needs. These outcomes position the China-ASEAN aviation market for accelerated growth, potentially reshaping Asia’s commercial aviation landscape in the coming decade.
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