Sourcing complex assets like planes, helicopters, and even spacecraft components from China can unlock major cost and capacity advantages for airlines, charter operators, government agencies, and specialist distributors. But to export planes and helicopters successfully, you need more than a good price. You need trusted suppliers, tight compliance, and a logistics partner who understands the aerospace supply chain.

That’s where Wigmore Trading can help. As an experienced export and sourcing company connecting China with Africa and other global markets, Wigmore Trading supports buyers looking to purchase and export aircraft and aerospace equipment safely and efficiently.

This guide explains why China is an attractive source, the key challenges when you export planes and helicopters, and how Wigmore Trading simplifies the entire process from supplier selection to final delivery.

Why source planes, helicopters, and spacecraft from China?

China has become a fast-growing hub for aviation and aerospace manufacturing. From small fixed-wing aircraft and light helicopters to drone platforms and selected spacecraft components, Chinese factories now serve both domestic and global customers.

Key advantages include:

Competitive pricing with industrial scale
Mass manufacturing and strong government support help Chinese OEMs and suppliers offer competitive prices on aircraft, parts, and mission equipment. This can make it more affordable for operators and distributors in Africa, the Middle East, and other emerging markets to expand their fleets.

Diverse product range
Whether you need training aircraft, agricultural planes, police or medical helicopters, UAVs, or spacecraft-related hardware, there is often a specialist producer in China. This diversity is particularly useful for distributors looking to build a portfolio of aviation and aerospace products.

Growing export experience
Many Chinese manufacturers now have experience with international certification, export controls, and global logistics. Partnering with a trading company like Wigmore Trading helps you access these capabilities without having to build relationships from scratch.

Key challenges when you export planes and helicopters from China

Despite the opportunities, buying and exporting aircraft is never a “simple shipment”. To protect your investment and stay compliant, you must manage several high-risk areas carefully.

1. Regulatory and export control compliance

Planes, helicopters, and spacecraft components are heavily regulated. You must consider:

• Export control regulations in China.

• Import regulations and civil aviation rules in the destination country.

• Any dual-use or military restrictions if equipment could have defence applications.

Missing a permit or mis-classifying an item can lead to delays, fines, or confiscation of goods. Wigmore Trading works with compliance partners to verify documentation, HS codes, and licensing requirements before shipping.

2. Certification, safety, and technical standards

Aircraft safety is non-negotiable. Buyers need confidence that:

• The aircraft meets relevant airworthiness standards.

• Maintenance and production records are clear and verifiable.

• Third-party inspections confirm the actual condition of used or refurbished units.

Wigmore Trading can coordinate independent inspections, factory audits, and documentation reviews, giving you technical assurance before you commit to payment.

3. Complex logistics and transport

When you export planes and helicopters, logistics planning goes far beyond booking a container:

• Aircraft may require partial disassembly, crating, or special lifting equipment.

• Oversized cargo often needs out-of-gauge or break-bulk sea freight.

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• High-value shipments should be fully insured and tracked.

Wigmore Trading designs tailored logistics plans, working with specialised carriers and port handlers to move your aircraft safely from Chinese factories to your hangar or customer.

4. Payment risk and project financing

High-value aerospace deals expose both buyer and seller to financial risk. Without a trusted intermediary, you may face:

• Unclear payment terms.

• Limited recourse if goods are not as described.

• Difficulties arranging letters of credit or milestone payments.

Wigmore Trading helps structure deals using secure payment methods, staged milestones, and transparent contracts, reducing risk for all parties.

How Wigmore Trading supports your aircraft export projects

When you work with Wigmore Trading to export planes and helicopters from China, you gain a partner that manages both sourcing and execution.

Sourcing and supplier verification

Wigmore Trading identifies reputable Chinese manufacturers and brokers that match your technical and budget requirements. The team:

• Screens suppliers for experience, export history, and factory capabilities.

• Requests detailed specifications, performance data, and certifications.

• Shortlists options that fit your operational use case and country regulations.

This focused sourcing approach saves time and helps avoid unreliable vendors.

Compliance, documentation, and contracts

Aerospace exports demand meticulous paperwork. Wigmore Trading can assist with:

• Pro-forma invoices, commercial invoices, and packing lists.

• Export licenses and customs declarations in China.

• Support documentation for destination customs and civil aviation authorities.

By organising documentation clearly and early, Wigmore Trading helps reduce clearance delays and minimises compliance risk.

Logistics, shipping, and insurance

From factory gate to final delivery, Wigmore Trading coordinates:

• Disassembly, preservation, and special packing where required.

• Road transport from the manufacturer to the port or airport.

• Sea or air freight options for complete or partially dismantled aircraft.

• Cargo insurance tailored to high-value aerospace shipments.

You receive clear timelines and shipment updates, so you always know where your aircraft is in the journey.

Project management and after-sales support

Large aviation purchases often involve multiple stakeholders—manufacturers, financiers, regulators, and end users. Wigmore Trading acts as project coordinator, ensuring:

• Milestones are clear and documented.

• Communication flows smoothly between all parties.

• After-sales support, spares sourcing, or additional equipment orders can be arranged.

If you plan to build a fleet or become a regional distributor for Chinese aircraft, Wigmore Trading can help you design a scalable sourcing strategy.

Steps to buy and export planes and helicopters from China with Wigmore Trading

If you are planning your first aircraft project from China, a clear roadmap helps. A typical process looks like this:

1. Define your requirements
   Clarify capacity, range, mission (passenger, cargo, medical, agricultural, surveillance), budget, and destination country regulations. Share this brief with Wigmore Trading.

2. Supplier search and shortlist
   Wigmore Trading identifies potential manufacturers or brokers, collects specifications and pricing, and presents you with a shortlist of options that fit your needs.

3. Technical evaluation and inspection
   Together, you review documentation, certificates, and maintenance records. Wigmore Trading can coordinate independent technical inspections and factory visits if needed.

4. Commercial agreement and contracts
   Once you choose a supplier, Wigmore Trading helps shape the contract, payment structure, warranties, and delivery terms (e.g., FOB, CIF), reducing ambiguity and risk.

5. Regulatory checks and licensing
   Compliance experts confirm export and import requirements, obtain necessary permits, and prepare documentation for customs and aviation authorities.

6. Logistics planning and shipment
   Wigmore Trading finalises packing, transport routing, cargo insurance, and tracking. Your aircraft is shipped from China and delivered according to the agreed Incoterms.

7. Delivery, commissioning, and after-sales
   On arrival, local inspections and registrations are completed. Wigmore Trading can continue to assist with spare parts, additional units, or new mission equipment.

Throughout this process, you retain control over key decisions while Wigmore Trading manages the complexity in the background.

Ready to export planes and helicopters from China?

Buying and exporting planes, helicopters, and spacecraft-related equipment from China can transform your fleet capacity and product offering—but only if each step is handled with care. With the right sourcing strategy, strong compliance, and professional logistics support, even complex projects become manageable.

Wigmore Trading combines China-side sourcing expertise with deep knowledge of African and global markets, helping you turn aerospace opportunities into real, operational assets.

If you are planning to export planes and helicopters or explore spacecraft component sourcing from China, Wigmore Trading can help.

Get in touch with our team to learn more and start planning your next aircraft project today.