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Insight Slices | “Eastward Surge: The Boundless Journey of China Business Travel” Annual Report
Representative Image Eastward Surge: The Boundless Journey of China Business Travel offers a panoramic, multi-dimensional analysis beyond traditional perspectives. It traces China’s business travel evolution from "ticketing agent" to "digital intelligence management," while focusing on enterprise transformation, traveler experience, TMC upgrades, resource provider strategies, tech innovations, and ESG implementation. From travel managers’ budget control to employees’ trip experience, from airline/hotel integration to payment process innovation – it presents an interconnected, living business travel ecosystem. 2. Insight Slices – Core Summary Macro Outlook: From "Recovery" to "Reconstruction" As of early 2026, China’s business travel market has fully exited the post-pandemic repair phase and entered a "structural reconstruction" period of high-quality development. Drawing on five years of GBTA macro data and deep local research, the report finds that despite global headwinds (geopolitics, inflation), China’s business travel market shows strong resilience and vitality. Unlike the steady "service-driven" evolution of Western markets, China’s dual role as the world’s manufacturing hub and a unified domestic market creates a unique "high-physical-intensity" pattern – requiring much higher business mobility per unit GDP growth than mature economies. China is no longer a follower of Western models; it is forging its own path: land-transport-led, mobile-first, and finance-business integrated. Market Structure: The Hidden "Dumbbell" – Underestimated Ground Travel A key finding: air and hotel combined account for only ~56% of total business travel spend in China, while ground transportation (rail + ride-hailing) makes up a striking 44%. This challenges the conventional focus on flights and hotels, revealing a high-frequency, fast-connection ecosystem powered by the world’s largest high-speed rail network and mobility platforms. Domestic travel dominates; cross-border trips are air-centric with lower hotel share, reflecting early-stage "going global" patterns. Future travel management must step out of the "air+hotel comfort zone" and drive efficiency & compliance from fragmented, high-frequency, hard-to-control rail and ride-hailing. Digital Transformation: Killing Reimbursement, Rebuilding Trust Technology is reshaping business travel processes at unprecedented speed. Driven by fully digital e-invoices (fapiao) and corporate virtual account payments, the 30-year pain point of "personal advance + expense claim" is ending. The shift to "corporate direct pay + automated accounting" is irreversible – it frees finance and employees, and more importantly, turns travel data from lagging financial records into real-time business intelligence. Meanwhile, generative AI agents are moving interaction from complex GUIs to natural language (LUI), ushering in an "intelligent secretary" era. Ecosystem Evolution: Back to Value Roles across the value chain are being redefined. For enterprises: Focus shifts from cost-cutting to value creation, using dynamic policies and hybrid payments to balance compliance and employee experience. For TMCs: Moving away from capital-heavy models is the new baseline. TMCs must shed quasi-financial roles, adopt supply chain finance, and return to professional services & tech connectivity. Meanwhile, self-built TMC platforms by mega-enterprises will reshape competition. For suppliers: Airlines and hotels accelerate DTC strategies to reclaim channel sovereignty; ground transport providers solve invoicing pain points through a "compliant unified network," becoming new corporate traffic gateways. Future Outlook: Pragmatic Long-termism Over the next five years, China’s business travel market will embrace pragmatic long-termism over flashy concepts. ESG is no longer a slogan but a finance-driven reality – NEV ride-hailing and paperless reimbursement are the first green travel scenarios to scale. All stakeholders should break silos and build connections: enterprises need travel ROI thinking; TMCs must build full-scenario data governance moats; tech providers should safeguard data sovereignty and security. In this trillion-yuan market, whoever first integrates cash flow, invoice flow, and data flow will define the next decade of China business travel. 3. Methodology C-end: Online survey of 1,305 business travelers across mainland China and Hong Kong. B-end: Surveys with 48 corporate travel managers, 93 TMC/ToB service providers, 37 resource suppliers (airlines, hotels, mobility). Expert interviews: One-on-one with 19 senior executives from industry leaders (TMCs, hotel groups, airlines, mobility platforms, tech providers). 4. Lead Authors - Zhanfu Yu: Senior Independent Consultant, former Roland Berger Global Partner - Charlie Li : Founder & CEO of TravelDaily, Director of CTBT Service Dept., CATS - Jason Li: Data analyst & industry observer, expert at CAAC Civil Aviation Think Tank Report Access Full report (early-bird pricing until April 15): English version: USD 1,000 (regular USD 1,200) 👉 [Click to Pre-order] Partnership & Collaboration We welcome joint research, case inclusion, and thematic co-creation (going global, AI, employee experience). Partner types: TMCs, hotel groups, airlines/mobility, payment platforms, travel tech providers, and supply chain players. Contact: [email protected] Read English version
China’s most unusual 10-million-passenger airport: Almost no international direct flights
While China’s 10-million-passenger airports compete on intercontinental nonstops and global connectivity, Taiyuan Wusu Airport has introduced a rather unusual route: Starting March 29, a Taiyuan–Chongqing–Chiang Mai service has been launched, marketed as Shanxi’s first direct link to northern Thailand. But it is clear to anyone familiar with the industry that this is still a stopover service. Passengers must transit via Chongqing, meaning it cannot be considered a true nonstop international flight. This is not an isolated case, but rather a long-standing reality for Taiyuan Airport. As a standard 10-million-plus passenger hub—with 14.57 million passengers handled in 2025—Taiyuan Wusu Airport stands out as a rare case among its peers, with virtually no genuine nonstop international routes. Recently, the airport also introduced through-ticket services from Taiyuan via Chengdu Tianfu International Airport to Cairo, Melbourne, Rome, and Madrid, offering passengers a more seamless experience with through check-in and baggage transfer. Even so, these routes still rely on domestic hub connections rather than originating as nonstop international flights from Taiyuan itself. The reasons behind this are already evident in the data. According to CAAC statistics on route-based passenger throughput at China’s hub airports in 2025, international passengers account for less than 1% at Taiyuan Airport. Passenger demand is highly concentrated on major hubs such as Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen, with relatively weak support from business travelers and independent outbound passengers—resulting in a structurally low share of international traffic. Coupled with intense competition from nearby major international hubs like Beijing and Tianjin, airlines operating nonstop international routes from Taiyuan have long faced the pressure of “losing money on every flight.” As a result, Taiyuan Airport has shifted toward a “connectivity via hubs” approach, leveraging major domestic hubs to extend its international reach. While not the most direct path to global connectivity, it is a more commercially viable strategy aligned with its local demand base and airline economics. Read English version
India becomes the second-largest country by tourist arrivals in Moscow in the first half of 2025
Moscow welcomed 40,8 thousands tourists from India during the first half of the 2025, which is a 40% increase compared to the same period last year. India has become the second-largest country among non-CIS countries by tourist arrivals. Overall, more than half a million travelers from outside CIS countries visited Moscow between January and June 2025 — a 10% increase compared to the same period in 2024.The Moscow City Tourism Committee notes that this growth reflects both the rising interest from Asian markets and Moscow’s expanding appeal as a global destination. This upward trend is also seen in hotel statistics. According to Rosstat, the number of foreign guests staying at Moscow hotels increased by 14% during the first seven months of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024. Based on data from the online booking platform Ostrovok, 94% of all summer bookings for 3-, 4- and 5-star hotels were made by travelers from non-CIS countries - up from 85% last year - with Indian tourists being among the most active guests in Moscow's premium accommodation segment. Travelling to Moscow for Indian tourists is driven by a couple of reasons. Moscow became more accessible with e-visa opportunities, which allows travelers to obtain an entry visa fully online in just four days, with no invitations or hotel confirmations required. Furthermore, a diverse events calendar, featuring everything from major festivals to business conferences, plays a grand role in attracting more visitors from India. For example, during the major urban project “Summer in Moscow”, the Russian capital hosted two large-scale events celebrating Indian culture - International Day of Yoga and Bharat Utsav (The Festival of India in Moscow). Such events represent Moscow’s welcoming culture as well as strong cultural connections between the two countries. "Initiatives like 'Summer in Moscow' enrich the city's cultural life and help showcase how welcoming Moscow is. These events give tourists and foreign delegations an opportunity to discover the city not only through its landmarks but also through its people, public spaces, and cultural diversity. This format is particularly attractive because the festivities unfold right in the streets and parks—the very places where people gather in the summer." - commented Ambassador of India to The Russian Federation, Vinay Kumar. Moscow has also launched several India-oriented initiatives, for example the Indian Vibes in Moscow guide, allocating information about hotels, gastronomy and India-connected landmarks. Building productive and long-term relationships with the tourism industry is another important part of Moscow's efforts to attract Indian tourists. The Moscow City Tourism Committee participates in leading Indian travel exhibitions — including OTM, SATTE, BLTM, and MILT Congress, as well as hosts targeted business missions and organizes familiarization trips to Moscow for tourism professionals. Such efforts significantly strengthened the city’s visibility among the professional community. A key milestone was the OTOAI Convention 2025 — the first ever held in Russia — which brought together over 250 leading Indian tour operators, media representatives, and travel professionals for an immersive introduction to Moscow’s tourism infrastructure, hospitality, and culture. Looking ahead, the capital will continue to enhance its presence in the Indian market through high-level industry events such as the upcoming Meet Global MICE Congress 2025, while strengthening partnerships that make Moscow more welcoming and accessible to Indian visitors. Building on this momentum, Moscow is poised for sustained growth in international tourism. In 2024, the city welcomed 26 million visitors in total, generating 235 billion rubles in budget revenues (~2,650,000,000 dollars). By 2030, Moscow expects to host up to six million international tourists annually, driven largely by travelers from India, China, the Asia-Pacific region, and the Middle East.
Super Terminal Expo 2025 opens in Hong Kong
Super Terminal Expo 2025 officially opened yesterday, 4th November, at the AsiaWorld-Expo in Hong Kong. The prestigious event brought together distinguished guests including representatives of the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC), Hong Kong SAR Government secretary for transport and logistics Mable Chan, Airport Authority Hong Kong chair Fred Lam Tin-fuk GBS JP, and Informa Markets president and chief executive in Asia Margaret Connolly. These dignitaries delivered keynote addresses at the launch ceremony, officially launching the three-day event. Connolly remarked: "After our inaugural event in 2024, the feedback was clear: Asia needed a dedicated platform where terminal developers, designers, operators, and suppliers could come together to tackle our industry's unique challenges.” She likewise emphasised that Super Terminal Expo serves as a pivotal platform for advancing Asian intermodal transport hub development, injecting new momentum into regional networks. Government support makes all the difference During the launch, Lam declared: "The future of aviation relies on ongoing investment in infrastructure. Our Three-runway System lays the foundation for long-term growth. It is one of the biggest infrastructure projects in Hong Kong's history. We have also continuously developed our intermodal services. Through bonded ferries or buses, Chinese Mainland passengers can directly reach our airport's airside for seamless boarding. Later this month, passengers from the Chinese Mainland and Macao will be able to drive their own vehicles to a car park right next to our airport and reach the airside for boarding flights, without the need to clear Hong Kong border controls. Our investment in infrastructure and services has given investors the confidence to grow their business here." Such official support is further reinforced through institutional support, with the event being supported by the Belt and Road Office of the Commerce and Economic Development Bureau, and the Working Group on Developing Low-altitude Economy of the Transport and Logistics Bureau of the HKSAR Government. The Air Silk Road Forum likewise represents one of multiple conference streams within this government-supported event. Where cross-sectoral collaboration matters Expanding from last year's aviation focus, the event this year encompasses air cargo, rail transport, and low-altitude economy sectors. Over 100 leading brands are currently participating at the Expo; including ARUP, AECOM, NUTECH, NEC Hong Kong Limited, SITA, and Weihai Guangtai, and more, showcasing green transport innovations, digital hub solutions, and intelligent logistics systems. Also, 200 key airports, ground handlers, airlines, and regulators are expected to be at Super Terminal Expo 2025, marking the start of a dynamic series of professional exchanges and business opportunities. The event delivers exceptional business development opportunities through carefully curated networking initiatives designed to foster meaningful commercial partnerships and community building among industry leaders and decision-makers.
Hamad International Airport signs MOU with Beijing Daxing International Airport
Hamad Al Khater, COO of Hamad International Airport, and Zhang Lin, CEO of Beijing Daxing International Airport, sign a Sister Airport partnership in Beijing. Image Courtesy: Hamad International Airport Hamad International Airport (DOH), Qatar's award-winning hub, has signed a Sister Airport Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX). The partnership advances Qatar–China cooperation and expands global air connectivity via Doha. The agreement, signed at Beijing Daxing's terminal, complements Qatar Airways' partnership with China Southern Airlines and the MoU between the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority (QCAA) and the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC). Together, these moves underscore aviation's role in driving economic growth, cultural exchange, and rising travel demand. Under the MoU, MATAR, the Qatar Company for Airports Management and Operation, and Beijing Capital International Airport Group Co., Ltd., operator of Beijing Daxing, will pursue joint projects to enhance passenger and cargo flows. Collaboration will focus on operations, technology, service design, and innovation, positioning both airports as leaders in hub excellence. Hamad International Airport connects to nine Chinese cities - Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Chongqing, Hangzhou, Xiamen, and Chengdu - as well as Hong Kong. These cities link to more than 120 global destinations through Doha, reinforcing Qatar's airport as the preferred Middle East hub for Chinese travellers. Hamad Al Khater, Chief Operating Officer at Hamad International Airport, said: "This opportunity affirms Hamad International Airport key role in driving aviation diplomacy, and advancing Qatar's partnership with China. By collaborating with Beijing Daxing, one of the world's most forward-looking airports, we are anticipating the evolving needs of tomorrow's travellers and shaping the future of global connectivity, with Doha as China's trusted gateway to the Middle East and beyond." Zhang Lin, CEO and President of Beijing Daxing International Airport, said: "As two important international aviation hubs in the world, Daxing Airport and Hamad Airport have formally established sister airport relations, and will start in-depth cooperation under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative, work together to create a "golden channel" for airline network, build a "green corridor" for freight logistics, promote the "smart innovation" in operation and management, and continuously enhance the global competitiveness of the two hubs, thus becoming a deepening cultural exchange and cooperation between China and Qatar." The Sister Airport agreement builds upon successful initiatives between Qatar and China. Qatar Airways recently announced the expansion of its codeshare with China Southern. Starting 16 October 2025, Qatar Airways will share code on China Southern's three weekly direct flights between Beijing Daxing and Doha. Similarly, China Southern will expand its "CZ" code on Qatar Airways-operated flights beyond Doha to 15 destinations across Africa, Europe, and the Middle East. Beijing Daxing marks the second Chinese gateway served by China Southern Airlines' non-stop flights. Beijing also connects with Doha through Qatar Airways' and Xiamen Airlines' daily flights. With this frequency increase and codeshare expansion, Qatar Airways and its partners will now offer 64 weekly flights across eight gateways in Greater China. Beyond aviation, Qatar and China continue to strengthen ties through cultural and educational partnerships, including academic collaborations, joint exhibitions, and cultural showcases. These initiatives reaffirm both nations' commitment to deepening relations and expanding long-term cooperation across key sectors.
Plaza Premium Group’s Smart Traveller honoured at 13th Flyer’s Preferred Awards
Plaza Premium Group (PPG) announced that its digital experience and rewards platform Smart Traveller was named the Flyer’s Preferred Innovative Loyalty Programme of the Year at the 13th Flyer’s Preferred Awards. The awards were organised jointly by CAAC Inflight Magazine, the official inflight publication of the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC), and FlyerT, China’s leading social networking platform for frequent flyers. At the ceremony, Smart Traveller’s managing director Simon Huang collected the award on behalf of PPG. A commitment to making travel better The award not only underscores PPG’s commitment to innovation in creating the ultimate digital experience and rewards platform, but also demonstrates its unwavering dedication to making travel better through cutting-edge solutions and customer centric innovations. Huang declared: “It is truly a proud moment for Smart Traveller to receive this prestigious industry accolade in Mainland China for the first time. We will continue to elevate our offerings and raise the bar in business travel with seamless, personalised and digitalised solutions that enhance the travel experience for all our members.” The 13th Flyer’s Preferred Awards not only provided a distinguished platform for showcasing leading business travel brands and celebrated their outstanding achievements, but also enhanced collaboration and knowledge exchange within the industry. PPG is proud to be part of this dynamic ecosystem, collaborating with partners and travellers to elevate the business travel industry. As the industry continues to evolve, PPG looks forward to contributing to its growth and innovation, making travel better for all.
Chinese airlines expand overseas routes
Chinese airlines are working to accommodate the ever-growing "China Travel" fever by introducing new overseas routes. Beginning 28th April, China Eastern Airlines will launch a direct flight from Shanghai Pudong International Airport to Abu Dhabi, becoming the first Chinese airline to fly the route. The airline will also establish a joint venture agreement with Etihad Airways, Abu Dhabi's flag carrier. Sichuan Airlines, on the other hand, is slated to begin direct flights from Chengdu Tianfu in Southwest China's Sichuan Province to Penang in Malaysia with five flights per week from 30th April. It should be noted that Sichuan Airlines began its commercial charter service from Chengdu to Pokhara, Nepal on Tuesday, 18th March. Meeting a growing number of international arrivals The increase in international flight routes among Chinese airlines coincides with a rise in foreign passenger visits at Chinese airports, benefiting from the 240-hour visa-free transit policy. According to the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) China's international flight routes completed 12.84 million passenger trips in the first two months of 2025. This shows growth of 38.6 percent compared to the same period last year, and a 6.5 percent increase over the same period in 2019. According to Wuhan's entry-exit border inspection station, 11,600 foreign travelers passed through Wuhan Tianhe International Airport in the first 17 days of March, an increase of 23.83 percent over the same period last year. These were mostly from Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea, and the United States. Among them, 4,200 people entered without a visa under the transit policy, marking a significant increase of 158.83 percent year-on-year. Approximately 60 percent of all passenger visits are for tourism purposes.
Embraer joins Airshow China 2024
Embraer announced its participation at Airshow China 2024 in Zhuhai from 12 to 14 November. The Brazilian aircraft manufacturer will release its latest market outlook and with a special focus on collaboration opportunities with the supply chain in China. Chief commercial officer Martyn Holmes said of this: “We’re excited to be back at Zhuhai Airshow. Embraer made its debut at the 3rd China Air Show 2000. Since then, we have participated in all 12 editions of the show. Holmes added that Embraer is constantly looking for ways to promote cooperation in China by offering aircraft that improve air service and connecting second and third tier cities to satisfy the ever-growing demand for air travel. That said, the airshow serves as an excellent way to meet with potential and current customers, partners, and stakeholders throughout the Asia Pacific. Stronger relationships Over the last 50 years Brazil and China have developed a strong and strategic diplomatic relationship, including key links in the aviation sector. With the aim of deepening collaboration with China’s aviation industry, the company will host an ‘Embraer Supplier Day’ event on Nov. 14 at Zhuhai Airshow Hall 6, 1000hrs in Room 216. Registration for the event is at Embraer’s exhibition stand at H4B1. It should likewise be noted that Embraer has made good progress in China with both E190-E2 and E195-E2 certified by CAAC. The aircraft manufacturer also established a comprehensive after-sales service system to support the E-Jets fleet in China, including authorised maintenance centres, spare parts warehouses, and complete pilot training network. Providing a solid foundation for the new generation of E2 family to operate in China. Presenting the China Market Outlook Embraer will also reveal its latest Market Outlook for the Chinese commercial aviation and air freight market at a press conference on Nov. 13 at the Zhuhai Airshow Hall 6, 1400hrs in Room 216. The Outlook will highlight the growing importance of fleet flexibility and small-narrow body aircraft in building connectivity in China. It also contains analysis of the air freight market and cites new opportunities for small-narrowbody freighters resulting from the continued growth of E-commerce and the growing demand for faster and more efficient air-logistics services. Embraer will also discuss a number of new and significant enhancements to the E-Jets E2 family of aircraft, including the world’s first ever automatic takeoff system (E2TS), improved fuel burn, extended range, increased engine time on wing, and cabin optimizations.
BLR Airport brings Karnataka’s Dasara Festival to life with Rangothsava cultural extravaganza
Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru (BLR Airport) in association with the Department of Kannada and Culture continues to welcome travelers and visitors to Rangothsava, a week-long cultural celebration of Karnataka’s vibrant Dasara festival, running from October 7 to 11, 2024. Hosted across Terminals 1 and 2, this vibrant festival offers a captivating showcase of Karnataka’s traditional arts, featuring a blend of music, dance, and performances, including Yakshagana, Kathak, puppet shows, and more. After a successful opening day on October 7, where performances of Dollu Kunitha, Gaarudi Gombe, and Sugama Sangeetha took place, the festival continues to delight travellers with daily showcases of Karnataka’s rich cultural heritage. Designed to entertain and immerse visitors in the festive Dasara spirit, Rangothsava ensures a memorable experience for all who pass through BLR Airport. Upcoming Key Performances: October 8: Yakshagana and Tamate Vandana (10:00 AM – 12:45 PM, Terminals 1 & 2) October 10: Hindustani classical music and Kathak Nrutya (4:30 PM – 6:30 PM, Terminal 1) October 11: Puppet Show (11:00 AM – 1:00 PM, Terminal 1) In addition to the entertainment, Rangothsava fosters community engagement by connecting visitors with Karnataka’s local traditions and heritage. The event is open to all passengers and visitors to experience the festive spirit and cultural grandeur of Rangothsava at BLR Airport!
Shaanxi now covered under China’s visa-free transit policy
China announced that Shaanxi Province is now listed together with 36 other locations compliant with the country’s 144-hour visa-free transit policy. Known for its rich cultural heritage stemming as far back as the Tang Dynasty, Shaanxi enables visitors to immerse themselves in local culture through various themed districts, as well as innovative tourism experiences combining augmented and virtual reality technologies. Highlights include the Grand Tang Mall, Tang Paradise, and the Shaanxi History Museum. A great way to boost tourism China’s 144-hour visa-free policy allows travelers from 54 countries, including the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom, to enter Shaanxi without a visa for up to six days, provided they have valid international travel documents and onward tickets to a third country or region within the specified time frame. Eligible travelers can engage in various short-term activities during their stay, such as tourism, business meetings, family visits, and cultural exchanges, within the specified region. For those whose countries have mutual visa waiver agreements or unilaterally exempt visa policies with China, those provisions will take precedence.
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