In a statement following the National Civil Aviation Work Conference, a set of key tasks for civil aviation in 2024 were set out.
After a comparatively slower recovery, the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) announced its goal of hitting 80 per cent of pre-Covid levels by the end of the year, looking to transport 690 million passengers in 2024, an 11 per cent increase from last year.
Notably, the meeting emphasised strengthening international cooperation to promote the recovery of the international market. The statement read:
“This year, civil aviation will implement the results of the meeting between the heads of state of China and the United States and promote a significant increase in direct flights between China and the United States.”
It also touched on further international cooperation, looking to:
“Actively expand air rights arrangements with countries co-building along the Belt and Road Initiative, deepen project cooperation with Central Asia, the Middle East, Africa and other regions.”
Morgan Stanley previously noted that China’s international recovery has been slower than expect due to soft demand. As we step into 2024, measures have been taken to accelerate this but it is yet to be seen how effective these will be.
For more like this see:
- Panel discussion: The impact of COVID-19 on Chinese airlines’ international network and the way forward for greater collaboration between Chinese and international airlines
- China and global tourism
- An overview of the industry’s global recovery
