Chinese cargo agents unhappy about the rigorous enforcement of cargo carrying rules according to the FSVT

Published: 11/18/1999

Following its recent toughening up of safety regulations (www.concise.org. 18th October 1999), the FSVT has begun to receive complaints from Russian aircrews being threatened or physically assaulted in Chinese airports. Pilots are now under strict instructions from the FSVT not to exceed cargo limits, apparently invoking the wrath of Chinese cargo agents. New rules, which came into effect on 1st November, prohibit the boarding of cargo on Il-76s without the use of special pallets or containers. According to Alexander Neradko, Head of the FSVT air safety department, this removes the possibility of flouting the limits. The FSVT has reportedly warned Chinese air authorities that it will forbid Russian carriers to use a number of Chinese airports, if the intimidating tactics continue. The enforcement of such a ban in reality would however, be a worthy if futile exercise for the FSVT given the scale of cargo air traffic between the two countries.

Article ID: 1091