China's aviation industry has opened direct air routes around the globe, and has attracted worldwide attention with its flight safety record.

The latest statistics from the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) indicate 11 Chinese airlines offer flights to a total of 62 cities in 32 countries. China has opened 145 international air routes and 45 regional routes to Hong Kong or Macao, with the overall length reaching 657,000 kilometers.

Meanwhile, more and more foreign airlines have become part of China's market. Up to now, some 57 foreign airlines from 45 countries and regions offer flights to 20 Chinese cities. The rapid and convenient international aviation net promotes the frequent visits and friendly dialogue between China and rest of the world.

Since September this year, China's aviation industry has provided timely help to the world. Following the September 11 terrorist attacks in the United States, many foreign planes had to fly through the airspace in China's northwest, instead of the usual route over Afghanistan.

So far, about 1,200 international flights have used the route and China's aviation departments have won praises from Malaysia Airlines, Thai Airways, Lufthansa and others for ensuring flight safety.

"China attaches great importance to aviation safety," said Liu Jianfeng, director of CAAC. "We've increased investment in safe infrastructure, organization, personnel training and technological criterion.

On this New Year's Eve, Air China will mark its forty-seventh year of safe flying, a record which has garnered international praise.

"This year, I frequently flew on Chinese airlines to other parts of the world," commented Scot Kronick, managing director of Ogilvy in China. "I feel they have good training and quality service."

China has also accelerated its pace to meet the international aviation technological criterion.

"China will enhance international cooperation and foreign trade, and encourage more personnel visits following its accession to the World Trade Organization. These moves will bring both opportunities and challenges to the aviation industry, which will finally make China a strong aviation country," said CAAC director Liu.

(Xinhua News Agency December 26, 2001)