China's aviation sector is taking off with the commencement of the summer-autumn flight season on Sunday, showcasing remarkable growth in both domestic and international air travel.
According to the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC), a total of 188 domestic and international airlines are set to operate 122,000 passenger and cargo flights weekly. This includes 51 domestic airlines scheduling 101,536 flights per week, marking a 2.5% increase compared to last year's summer-autumn season and a significant 38.29% rise since the 2019 season.
On the international front, the CAAC has approved 17,257 passenger and cargo flights each week for 164 airlines. These flights will connect China to 70 destination countries, spanning Asia, Europe, Africa, North America, Latin America, and Oceania. Notably, 51 of these destinations are Belt and Road partner countries, strengthening global ties and facilitating international trade and travel.
Strategic Focus on Domestic and Global Expansion
The CAAC is implementing key strategies to bolster the domestic aviation market. These include encouraging airlines to assess market trends, enhancing supervision of route and flight operations, and optimizing route networks to ensure efficient and reliable service. Additionally, efforts are being made to improve passenger services, streamline transfers, and integrate airlines into a comprehensive aviation transportation network.
Internationally, there is a strong rebound in passenger flights, with routes to countries like Vietnam, Japan, Laos, and Russia seeing significant increases. Flights to Ireland are resuming, and new international operators are entering the market. Importantly, the number of passenger flights between China and the United States will rise to 100 weekly, enhancing connectivity between the two nations.
The impact of visa-free policies is becoming evident, driving higher flight volumes to countries such as Hungary, Austria, Spain, Malaysia, Thailand, and Singapore. In the first two months of 2024, inbound and outbound trips by foreigners to and from China surged to 2.95 million, a 2.3-fold increase from the previous period and reaching 41.5% of pre-pandemic levels.
Looking ahead, the CAAC plans to assist airlines in expanding capacity and launching new routes, particularly with countries involved in the Belt and Road Initiative. This expansion not only supports national strategic goals but also meets the growing demands of global travelers seeking seamless and sustainable travel options.
Reference(s):
China's aviation sector booms with summer-autumn flight season launch
cgtn.com
