China’s aviation sector is experiencing a significant surge as the summer-autumn flight season launches. The volume of domestic and international flights continues to grow, reflecting the robust recovery and expansion of air travel in the region.
According to the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC), 188 domestic and international airlines are scheduled to operate 122,000 passenger and cargo flights per week during this new season. This marks a substantial increase compared to previous years.
Domestic Growth and Enhanced Connectivity
A total of 51 domestic airlines are set to schedule 101,536 domestic flights per week, representing a 2.5 percent increase compared to the 2023 summer-autumn season and a remarkable 38.29 percent increase compared to the 2019 season. The CAAC has encouraged airlines to assess market trends scientifically, optimize route networks, and enhance services to better meet passenger demand.
Efforts are being made to streamline transfers, develop through-flight services, and integrate airlines into the comprehensive aviation transportation network. These measures aim to provide travelers with more convenient and efficient domestic travel options.
International Expansion and Belt and Road Connections
On the international front, 164 domestic and international airlines have been approved to operate 17,257 passenger and cargo flights per week, connecting the Chinese mainland with 70 countries. This includes flights to 37 countries in Asia, 21 in Europe, and others across Africa, North America, Latin America, and Oceania, linking 178 foreign cities with 63 domestic cities.
The CAAC highlighted the resumption of flights to Ireland and the addition of new airlines operating international passenger flights. There has been significant recovery in the passenger market with neighboring countries, notably Vietnam, Japan, Laos, and Russia. Flights to Belt and Road partner countries have also increased, supporting national strategies and meeting passenger travel demands.
Passenger flights between the Chinese mainland and the United States are set to increase significantly, with both Chinese and U.S. airlines permitted to operate 100 scheduled weekly passenger flights. This expansion reflects the ongoing recovery of international travel and cooperation.
Impact of Visa-Free Policies and Tourism Growth
The favorable effects of visa-free policies are becoming apparent, evidenced by significant growth in flight volumes to countries like Hungary, Austria, Spain, Malaysia, Thailand, and Singapore. In the first two months of 2024, the Chinese mainland recorded 2.95 million inbound and outbound trips made by foreigners, marking an increase of 2.3 times compared to the previous period and recovering to 41.5 percent of pre-pandemic levels, according to the Ministry of Culture and Tourism.
The CAAC has expressed commitment to assisting airlines in increasing capacity and opening new routes between the Chinese mainland and countries participating in the Belt and Road Initiative, further enhancing global connectivity and supporting economic growth.
Reference(s):
China's aviation sector booms with summer-autumn flight season launch
cgtn.com
