China expects strong aviation growth in 2009
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China’s domestic carriers are expected to fly 11% more passengers this year thanks to government efforts to boost demand, state news agency Xinhua has reported.
The country is targeting 220 million domestic passengers in 2009 - a growth rate that will far exceed the 3.3% rise in traffic seen in 2008, according to the country’s Ministry of Transport.
China’s civil aviation regulator is expected to introduce policies to stimulate the domestic aviation industry which has been dampened by the economic problems of recent months. The efforts reportedly include setting up “express routes” to compete with the high-speed rail link between Beijing and Shanghai, increasing the number of flights and providing support for regional airlines.
China will also invest CNY80-100 billion (US$11.7-14.7 billion) in infrastructure this year with 22 key projects, including the renovation of Shanghai’s Hongqiao Airport and enlarging the flight zone at Tianjin Binhai Airport.
In addition, the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) will waive several airline fees and taxes, worth a total of CNY4 billion. CAAC has also urged carriers to cancel or postpone plane deliveries due next year, as well as park unnecessary planes, retire old ones and return aircraft leased overseas. Chinese carriers are expected to take delivery of 241 aircraft this year, including 16 delayed orders from last year, according to Xinhua.
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