The Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) has validated the type certificate for the Airbus ACJneo, expanding the market for buyers who want the advantages of local registration. This includes opening access to additional airports in China.

“The other major benefit which a local registration brings operators is the ability to take into account their aircraft’s operational costs—including the fuel purchased—in their company’s tax obligations,” according to Airbus Corporate Jets.

There are about 160 ACJ-family jets in operation globally. The ACJneo models include the ACJ319neo and ACJ320neo, which both have either the CFMI Leap or Pratt & Whitney GTF as engine options. ACJneos have a cabin altitude of 6,400 feet at the 41,000-foot ceiling, providing enhanced comfort for occupants. Retractable stairs at the forward door eliminate the need for ground support boarding stairs. The ACJ320neo can fly more than 13 hours, while the ACJ319neo has an endurance of more than 15 hours.

“This validated type certificate award brings a major market differentiator for the ACJneo, as it is now one of the very few large business jets available that operators can locally register in mainland China, bringing them significant operational autonomy and lower costs,” said Airbus Corporate Jets president Chadi Saade.