Experts urge stronger civil aviation legislation, cultivation of legal talents

Experts have called for stronger civil aviation legislation and greater efforts in cultivating legal talents to enhance the sector's ability to tackle challenges through the rule of law.

These suggestions were made during a symposium on foreign-related civil aviation rule of law, jointly held by the China University of Political Science and Law and the International Cooperation and Service Center of the Civil Aviation Administration of China on Friday and Saturday.

The symposium attracted over 200 experts, scholars, and practitioners from universities, government departments, research institutions, the judiciary, and the aviation industry, both domestically and internationally.

"The current international air transport market faces challenges and opportunities such as trade protectionism, geopolitical conflicts, and technological innovation," said Yu Fei, vice-president of the China University of Political Science and Law.

"Civil aviation workers need to improve their awareness and ability to use the rule of law to address these problems."

Ji Dapeng, deputy head of the administration's Department of Policy, Law and Regulation, praised the country's efforts in building the legal framework of the civil aviation industry over the past few years. He emphasized the importance of continuing to prioritize legislation and urged more exchanges and mutual learning to promote industry development.

"Strengthening our legal defenses is a must for the civil aviation industry, especially in critical areas such as countering foreign sanctions and safeguarding passenger information," said Guo Junxiu, president of the Aviation Law Research Association of the China Law Society.

"And we can't afford to overlook the importance of boosting legal talent cultivation for this sector."

Huang Jiefang, former director of the International Civil Aviation Organization's legal affairs and external relations bureau, also stressed the necessity of intensifying the cultivation of legal talent. He added, "The key to China's future participation in international aviation legislation and its quest for a greater say on the global stage lies in talent."

In February, a draft amendment to China's Civil Aviation Law was submitted for its first review by the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, the country's top legislative body.

The revisions aim to enhance aviation safety, promote the development of general aviation and the low-altitude economy, strengthen passenger rights protections, and improve regulatory oversight of civil aviation activities.