China will reduce the vertical air space between aircraft starting from November 22, the General Administration of Civil Aviation (CAAC) said.

Called Reduced Vertical Separation Minimum (RVSM), it shortens the space between aircraft from 2,000 feet (610 meters) to 1,000 feet (305 meters), allowing the number of layers of aircraft flying between 29,000 feet (8,841 meters) and 41,000 feet (12,500 meters) to be increased from seven to 13.

"We can make better use of the airspace, increase air traffic flow and reduce flight delays, said Wang Changshun, CAAC's deputy director.

"It is good news for travelers who will have to spend less time sitting in cabins waiting for the aircraft to take off."

Last year, flight delays topped the passengers' complaint list. Industry insiders said air traffic control was a major reason for the delays.

CAAC has been under pressure to make better use of the limited airspace, as the aircraft fleet keeps expanding. China is ranked No 2 in air traffic volume.

RVSM, which the International Civil Aviation Organization introduced in the 1970s, is used in Europe, North America, the Pacific, the Atlantic, Japan and Republic of Korea.

CAAC carried out a pilot project in Sanya, South China's Hainan Province in 2002, and has now decided to apply it nationwide in November, about eight months ahead of the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing.

Local airlines will have to equip their aircraft with specially certified altimeters and autopilots before October 1.

CAAC is also carrying out a revamp of its air traffic control systems, to be completed in September.

(China Daily May 23, 2007)