During the second half of this year, aviation enterprises should take advantage of the nationwide long holidays to expand business, said a source from the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC).

In the week-long International Labor Day holidays in May this year, 1.706 million air trips were recorded, 34.8 per cent and 10.5 per cent more than Spring Festival in February this year and National Day in 1999.

"The average loading-capacity rate, one of the major indicators for the efficiency of the airlines, rose to 72.8 per cent, the highest in the past few years," an unidentified official with CAAC said.

The official urged airlines to grasp the opportunity of this year's long summer vacation and National Day holiday to establish more special short-term lines linking tourist cities or attractions.

The official also encouraged airlines to join hands with tourism sectors at all levels to readjust flights in accordance with traveler demands as well as to help travelers select proper lines and destinations.

However, the passenger growth rate for airlines last summer was much lower compared with the railway sector, mainly because of high-ticket prices, insiders said.

"If CAAC insists on the no-discount policy, I do not think I will prefer travel by air this year," said Duan Kai, a foreign enterprise employee planning a trip to Wuhan.

"The air ticket fare might take half of my traveling budget, while the high-speed train is not only much cheaper but also comfortable," Duan said.

"Opening more feeder lines is targeted to reduce the number of stops on the lines between key cities and extend the air traffic net to small cities and remote regions," the official said.

The policy is expected to increase flight speed and frequency and establish a rational and sound airline network with key airports as centers and feeder lines as antennas to neighboring areas, the official said.

Related detailed preferential policies drafted by the CAAC are waiting for approval by the State Council and are expected to be issued by the end of this year, the official disclosed.

"It is normal for some aviation enterprises to slightly adjust their international lines in accordance with the market demands, but faced with the cut-throat international competition, co-ordination and co-operation among domestic companies should not be ignored," the official said.

During the remainder of this year, CAAC will strive to open new international lines and increase international flights to expand its aviation market share in the world, he said.

In addition, the central government will create opportunities for Chinese aviation companies taking part in the world unified air market to absorb advanced technology, management and operation experiences to try and catch up with leading aviation giants.

(China Daily)