The Chinese government is considering cutting taxes on the import and leasing of aircraft to bring the country in line with international standards.

Sha Hongjiang, Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) planning and development department vice director, said China's tax on the import and leasing of aircraft is higher than most countries in Europe and the US. He said many European countries, such as Germany and UK, levy no taxes on aircraft imports, so China is considering cutting the tax.

Tariffs and value added tax on aircraft imports ranged from 5.04 to 22.85 percent. Buyers must pay 5.04 percent of the price of an aircraft with a deadweight of more than 25 tonnes and 22.85 percent of those below 25 tonnes.

The withholding tax on aircraft leasing ranged from seven to ten percent of hire charges, while the value added tax on aviation materials was 17 percent.