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USTDA Extends Support for U.S.-China Aviation Cooperation Program

(USTDA)  BEIJING, China – Today, the U.S. Trade and Development Agency and the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) signed two grants to further strengthen U.S.-China aviation cooperation. The first signing launched the 12th phase of the U.S.-China Aviation Cooperation Program (ACP). USTDA funding will continue to support the successful Executive Management Development Training and Air Traffic Management Executive Training programs. These programs have strengthened the skills of over 1,300 Chinese aviation leaders and deepened the relationships between U.S. and Chinese aviation professionals.

USTDA also concluded an agreement to support China’s efforts to modernize winter operations at Chinese airports. Currently, the lack of snow and ice removal procedures and equipment in China has contributed to significant air traffic delays in the country’s rapidly growing market. The technical assistance will use Harbin International Airport in northeast China as a case study to share U.S. technologies and best practices as China develops a winter operations plan for airports across the country.

“USTDA is pleased to continue connecting U.S. businesses to China’s expanding aviation market,” said USTDA Director Leocadia I. Zak. “Our partnership under the ACP has allowed us to make substantial mutually-beneficial progress and we look forward to continue building upon that progress.”

USTDA Director Zak and CAAC Deputy Administrator Wang Zhiqing signed the grant agreements Sunday at the Civil Aviation Management Institute of China. Geoff Jackson from the U.S.-China Aviation Partnership and Christopher Collins from the Federal Aviation Administration witnessed the signing.