CAAC Asks Emergency Measures For Drought Relief

The Civil Aviation Administration of China has issued an emergency circular, in which it asks that four measures to be taken to support the local governments' efforts in drought relief.

The circular says that all CAAC affiliates should learn about the situation of the drought and dispatch aircraft according to the local governments' requirements. In addition, they should reinforce communication with the local agricultural and meteorological departments and give priority to drought relief when dispatching an aircraft. The circular stresses that aviation staff sent for drought relief should be trained on safety and they should strictly follow the relevant regulations and standards of CAAC.

The circular asks each CAAC subsidiary, airport, and fuel supplier to be fully prepared and supportive to the nation's anti-drought efforts. It says CAAC will exempt from aviation service fees aircraft undertaking the drought-reducing tasks and arrange to pay the air service operators for other payments made in advance, after the task is completed.

The circular requires each aviation department to continue their commitment and devotion to this disaster relief, just as they did in the earthquake relief in 2008.

Since the beginning of winter last year, drought has been affecting the main areas of grain production in China. To carry out the central government's intention to eliminate drought, CAAC has issued the emergency circular to each of its affiliates.