News / ATSG pulls back from Chinese carrier JV, but eyes new relationships with existing airlines

Chinese bureaucracy has stymied ATSG’s plans for a joint venture airline, and overshadowed news of a strong first quarter for the air freight operator.

Chief operating officer Rich Corrado said the company had “suspended” its planned AOC in China, citing “ongoing regulatory delays”, particularly from late 2016 and into 2017.

“During that time, the JV partners looked at some alternatives in terms of doing some different things while we were delayed,” Mr Corrado told analysts on an earnings call.

“Since then, we’ve stepped ...