Six minor accidents involving domestic airlines occurred in June. Though no casualties were reported, those accidents have raised the alarm for domestic air carriers, Wednesday's China Daily quoted an anonymous senior aviation official as saying.

"The impact of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) had put all airlines on the verge of heavy deficits, and no airlines could withstand severe accidents," said the official.

The General Administration of Civil Aviation of China (CAAC) has sent special inspection teams to local airlines to investigate the causes of the accidents.

"The pilots and related airline officials who are found accountable for those accidents will be punished under related regulations," said the official.

As another important measure to ensure aviation safety, China's airlines will be staffed with aviation police starting this October.

(Xinhua News Agency July 2, 2003)