China is poised to witness a historic surge in air passenger trips in 2024, with projections indicating numbers reaching unprecedented heights. According to Song Zhiyong, head of the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC), air passenger trips in the country may reach a staggering 700 million this year, setting the stage for a record-breaking 2024.
Speaking at the Asia Pacific Summit for Aviation Safety 2024 (AP-SAS 2024) in Beijing, Song highlighted the remarkable growth of China's civil aviation sector. "During the first half of the year, our total transport turnover, passenger trips, and cargo and mail transport volume rose significantly compared to the same period in 2019," he noted. Specifically, there were increases of 11.9%, 9%, and 18.7%, respectively.
China's civil aviation transportation has consistently ranked second globally for 19 consecutive years, contributing over 20% to global aviation growth. The nation currently operates 4,335 transport aircraft across 262 airports, boasting a total transport capacity of 1.6 billion passengers. These impressive figures underscore China's expanding influence in global aviation.
In addition to traditional aviation, China is experiencing rapid growth in the unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) sector. Song revealed that the annual flight time of UAVs has reached tens of millions of hours, with newly registered drones increasing at a rate of 100,000 per month. This surge reflects the country's commitment to innovation and modernization in aviation technology.
The AP-SAS 2024, jointly organized by the CAAC, the Flight Safety Foundation, and the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore, serves as a platform for aviation leaders and professionals to address safety challenges and enhance aviation safety measures. This year's summit, themed "Shaping Safety Excellence: A Human-Focused Approach," emphasizes the importance of human factors in achieving safety excellence in aviation.
Launched in 2023, the AP-SAS has become an essential forum for sharing experiences and expertise on aviation safety matters. The ongoing discussions and collaborations are expected to further propel China's aviation industry to new heights, benefiting global travelers, business professionals, and the broader international community.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
