BEIJING, April 12 (Xinhua) -- The bonded aircraft parts and materials distribution center of Singapore's flag carrier Singapore Airlines (SIA) was inaugurated on Monday in southwest China's Chongqing municipality.
This marks new progress in China-Singapore cooperation in the aviation industry under the China-Singapore (Chongqing) Demonstration Initiative on Strategic Connectivity.
The distribution center came as the outcome of an innovative customs supervision mode for bonded aviation materials, the first of its kind in China. Under the mode, SIA can apply for entry of bonded aircraft parts and materials in Chongqing and then transfer the materials to various distribution outlets across China on demand.
Previously, to distribute bonded aircraft parts, SIA needs to file with and apply to many local customs. Also, without warehouse for bonded aviation materials at some waypoints, SIA needs to carry the materials on board, which results in low guarantee efficiency and high operation costs.
The establishment of the distribution center can help SIA reduce operation costs and facilitate the distribution and circulation of aircraft parts and materials, said Ng Boon Kiat Melvin, SIA's general manager responsible for business in China.
In recent years, China and Singapore have strengthened exchanges and cooperation concerning aviation bases, airport operation, airline flights, customs clearance services, financial formats, talent training, etc., according to Zeng Jinghua, director of Chongqing's administration bureau of the China-Singapore demonstration projects. (Edited by Su Dan with Xinhua Silk Road, sudan@xinhua.org)