CIVIL AIR TRANSPORT

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP82-00047R000400360004-3
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: C
• Document Page Count: 2
• Document Creation Date: December 27, 2016
• Document Release Date: May 6, 2013
• Sequence Number: 4
• Publication Date: May 13, 1954
• Content Type: REPORT

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Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release @ 50-Yr2013/05/07 : CIA-RDP82-00047R000400360004-3
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CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE AGENCY
1NFoRMATION REPORT
COUNTRY China
SUBJECT Civil Air Transport
PLACE
ACQUIRED
DATE
ACQUIRE
DATE DIST . /3 May 1954
ORR 7527
NO OF PAGES` 2
NO. OF ENCLS.
(LISTED BELOW)
DA.TE OF
THIS DOCUMENT CONTAINS INFORMATION AFFECTING TOE NATIONAL U'EFENSIL
Or THE UNITED STATES, WITHIN THE MEANING or TITLE ID. AAt/ooxs 793
AND 794, Or THE U.S. CODE, Al AMINDIO. ITS TrIRAILSIKA-SION OR AIRE.
CATION Or /TS CONTENTS TO OR RECEIPT Br ARL_vi
_ AUTHORIZER PERSON IS
fl-OHIIIT(I IV LAW. THE.. *CPRODUCTIOM 1.1111 FORA IS PROHISITED.
MENT TO
REP RT NO.
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THIS 15 UNEVALUATED INFORMATION
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1.
In 1 7 t ere were
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three major aviation companies: the oldest and largest was e China Aviation
Coapany operating In Kong Kong and the Southeast; the second was the Europe and
Asia Aviation Company which began operation prior to World War II; the third was
the Central Aviation Company, a subsidiary of the Europe and. Asia Aviation Company.
The Chinn Aviation Company at one time had. been associated with the Pan-American
Airways; however, due to Communist infiltration its relations were abruptly
severed. Personnel for the Central Aviation Company were drawn from the
Europe and Asia Aviation Company to insure that administration and operation of
co*aty Would begin immediately. It received. no financial assistance from the
parent organization when placed into operation.
Very little effort was being made to foster interest in aviation through the media
of rertwate flying clubs, aero schools, etc. There were many government-sponsored
glider clubs throughout China. Interest in these clubs was great primarily
beosuse there were no tees connected with membership. On the mainland the Govern-
ment erected many parachute towers for entertainment purposes only. Anyone was
permitted to use these towers free of charge. The Far East Aviation (oration,
6011 unit in Hong Kong since 1940, made attempts to foster interest in aviation
by offering free courses in the mechanics of flying and. maintenance of aircraft.
There had been no evidence of mass use of transport for emergency airlift purposes.
It is very-possible that, in the event of 022 emergenchcivil transport could and
wed. be utilized for airlift purposes.
4? likelihood that China will open international air routes to Burma, India, or
other countries in the near future will depend on trade and political relations
at oat time. In the past, Chinese civil aircraft have been known to make flights
to Burma on Government business of mutual interest only.
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CLASSIFICATION CONFITEIttA.L;,',L
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DISTRIBUTION '
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Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release @ 50-Yr2013/05/07 : CIA-RDP82-00047R000400360004-3
Declassified in Part- Sanitized Copy Approved for Release @ 50-Yr2013/05/07 : CIA-RDP82-00047R000400360004-3
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5. In the vicinity of Shanghai there were three airfields located in Hung chow,
a west end suburb, another at Chian Wan which is not used for commercia4otraffic,
and a third at Nanking. I am unable to give any detailed descriptions qf
these airfields.
There were only a few mtlti-engined aircraft in China. Repair and maintenance
of aircraft in 1947 was most inadequate. Maintenance crew were iforced to
Salvage useable parts from scrap piles. In addition, the supply of aviation
petroleum presented a serious problem. Aviation companies located inthe vicinity
of Bong Kong were well supplied while those in the interior were,?hattered in
their operations due to a petroleum shortage. As far asknow, all reciprocal
engine aircraft used 100 octane gas.
DC-2 and DC-3 aircraft were used most extensively.
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?,...CONFIDENTIAL' --- -
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release @ 50-Yr2013/05/07 : CIA-RDP82-00047R000400360004-3