Customs officers inspect an Airbus A320neo at Ningbo Lishe International Airport. [Photo/Yongpai app]

A new customs supervision model has helped streamline the import of a commercial aircraft into Ningbo, marking a first for the city and potentially reducing both costs and delivery times for airlines.

On July 16, China Eastern Airlines completed import procedures for an Airbus A320neo aircraft under a financing lease arrangement. The aircraft was introduced by Shanghai CMB Xiangying Aircraft Leasing Co and will be operated by China Eastern's Zhejiang branch on international routes, including services between Ningbo and Singapore. 

While aircraft are often thought of solely as transportation, they are also treated as imported goods when entering China through leasing arrangements. Traditionally, leased aircraft associated with bonded zones required additional transfer procedures before entering service.

In this case, however, customs authorities have used a new delegated supervision mechanism, with Shanghai Pudong International Airport Customs, where the aircraft was delivered, entrusting Ningbo Customs to carry out the final supervision procedures. This allows the aircraft to be handed directly to the airline for operation without first being transferred through a bonded zone, reducing logistical complexity and improving efficiency.

Ningbo Customs worked closely with Shanghai Pudong International Airport Customs on the transaction, enabling the aircraft to enter commercial service immediately after customs clearance. This streamlined process is expected to make aircraft leasing and delivery more efficient for airlines operating in the region.

This arrangement is also supported by national measures introduced in 2026 to enhance the role of China's comprehensive bonded zones, allowing customs authorities in different locations to coordinate supervision of major leased equipment, including aircraft and aircraft engines.

According to China Eastern's Zhejiang branch, the airline plans to introduce five additional aircraft in the future as it expands its route network and upgrades its fleet.