CHINA. China will open up its aviation market to low-cost carriers, said one of the country’s top official.
General Administration of Civil Aviation of China Vice Minister Yang Guoqing said: “Currently I don’t think there is a ready-made or existing policy environment for the emergence and operation of low-cost carriers, especially in terms of airport fees.”
He added that China is studying the growth in numbers of low-cost airlines in Asia. Reforms that may come China’s way include allowing budget airlines to choose their routes, pay lower airport fees and enjoy lower tariffs on supplies such as fuel.
He did not indicate a timeframe for the reforms, but said: “I think it will not be taking too much time.”
Malaysia-based budget carrier Air Asia has plans to begin flying into China by next year.
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