China to focus on airport, airline development

Between now and 2010, China will be giving priority to the rehabilitation and expansion of existing airports and building new ones, including new small airports. According to Vice Director Wang Zhiqing of the Civil Aviation Administration of China, the number of airports in China will increase from 142 to 190 by 2010. China will also increase its aircraft fleet by increasing the number of large aircraft to suit the requirement of growing passenger volume on main trunk routes. Cargo and regional aviation will be supported and developed. Furthermore, Wang said the CAAC will also improve its rules and standards system, especially in safety management, flight standards, airworthiness, air traffic management, airport operation, and aviation security. Government safety supervision and safety auditing will be further enhanced. He added that air traffic management system construction will also be enhanced. CAAC will improve control capability and service level, enhance weather service, and promote new technology application. According to Wang, China will improve aviation economics on price system, airport charges and fuel prices. It will reform the air route operation certification and flight schedule management measures. He added that technology and education training of aviation professionals will be enhanced. CAAC will continue to develop its new-generation air transport system to handle the higher requirements of the Chinese aviation market, especially in air traffic management and the aviation weather system. China will also expand aviation agreements with other countries and regions.