In September, AmCham China’s US-China Aviation Cooperation Program (ACP), in partnership with the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC), and the Boeing Company co-hosted Aircraft Airworthiness Safety Symposium (AWSS) in Qingdao. The event brought together approximately 40 presenters and 120 participants, including senior representatives from CAAC, FAA, and key industry stakeholders to discuss crucial advancements and future priorities in aviation safety, airworthiness, and regulatory standards.
Over the two-day symposium, experts from both the US and China shared insights on airworthiness certification, safety culture, and operational practices. The event began with welcome remarks from Xu Feng, Director General of CAAC’s Aircraft Airworthiness Certification Department, and Suzanne Masterson, Deputy Director of the FAA’s Integrated Certificate Management Division, both of whom stressed the essential role of US-China collaboration in raising airworthiness standards and enhancing aviation safety. Alvin Liu, President of Boeing China and Co-Chair of ACP, also underscored the value of the ACP platform in driving regulatory cooperation and advancing safety initiatives in the aviation sector.
The symposium’s agenda featured sessions on airworthiness rule-making updates, safety management systems, and the regulatory landscape for emerging aviation technologies. Presentations from leading companies such as Boeing, Pratt & Whitney, Textron, GE Aerospace, Collins Aerospace, COMAC, and AVIC highlighted the latest industry practices in airworthiness. This event provided a vital forum for both countries to exchange best practices and explore paths for continued cooperation.
As the symposium concluded, the shared commitment to improving safety, enhancing regulatory cooperation, and advancing airworthiness certification was reaffirmed as a cornerstone of the US-China aviation relationship. Plans for the 2025 AWSS are already underway, with a proposal to host the next event in the United States.
ACP remains dedicated to fostering dialogue and collaboration between the US and Chinese aviation industries, and this symposium marks yet another significant milestone in that ongoing effort.
Click here to learn more about AmCham China’s Aviation Cooperation Program!