Airlines ready to spread their wings again

Steady growth

Lin, the analyst, said China's international civil aviation market is not recovering as well as those in other parts of the world, as China opened up after the pandemic later than many other countries.

"Last year, some countries fully lifted controls on international routes," he said, adding that the market is also affected by the relationship between China and other nations, such as the US.

He estimated that China will witness a steady recovery in its international routes.

Shang, the passenger from Beijing, has firsthand experience of the recovery being made.

She traveled from Beijing to San Francisco and back in May, and again earlier this month — making the respective bookings in February and June.

"When I booked in June, there were more choices than in February," she said.

Qi, the senior aviation expert, said, "China will welcome more international services."

Li, from Civil Aviation University, said the economy has been disrupted by the pandemic. With many economic activities suspended during the past three years, it is hoped to boost the economy by promoting travel.

"Economic development in many cities, including Beijing, is highly dependent on the civil aviation sector," Li said.

"We studied the impact of the civil aviation industry on Beijing's economy, and our research found that the industry affected economic activities that produced 15 to 16 percent of the city's GDP."

Li added that many related industries will be affected if international flights do not resume.

"Airlines will first increase capacity on international flights and then reduce ticket prices," Li said, adding that for carriers, selling a large number of tickets at a reasonable price is the best way to maintain a sustainable profit.