16 May 2023

China Aircraft Leasing Newsletter

AirAsia expands in China market

AirAsia announced expansion in China, launching three new routes from its Kuala Lumpur hub to the southern regions, serving Chengdu (Tianfu) Guilin and Quanzhou. The carrier will operate a total of 15 routes with over 129 flights weekly between China and Malaysia. AirAsia Malaysia CEO, Riad Asmat said “Following the recent opening of China to the world and strong pent up demand, our rapid expansion into China continues and we are proud to connect millions of guests not only to major destinations but also to underserved second-tier cities and launch unique routes such as Quanzhou and Guilin. China remains a key market for our future growth and we will continue to review a number of other potential Chinese routes that we hope to be in a position to announce soon.”

CAAC Reports growth in May Day passenger traffic

The Civil Aviation Authority of China reported during the May Day holiday weekend between 29 April to 3 May over civil aviation carried a total of 9.412 million passengers, with an average of 1.882 million passengers per day, an increase of 4.2% over 2019 levels, with an average load factor was 77.7% up 18% on 2022.

Chinese airlines seek new US routes

Four Chinese airlines are applying for new routes from China to the US US Department of Transportation (DOT) as market recovers post pandemic to meet market demand. The US Department of Transportation (DOT) issued an order allowing Chinese airlines to operate 12 round-trip flights between China and the US every week, up from the current eight, for a total of 24 flights between China and the US every week. Air China applied for route authorization between Beijing and New York and China Eastern Airlines route authorisation between Shanghai Pudong and Los Angeles. Xiamen Airlines applied for route approval between Xiamen and Los Angeles.

Hainan Airlines connects Beijing and Edinburgh

Hainan Airlines is to launch a new seasonal direct service between Beijing and Edinburgh operating twice weekly from 26 June to 8 October using Boeing 787-9 aircraft. The carrier previously operated the route via Dublin using fifth freedom rights, carrying passengers between Dublin and Edinburgh. Edinburgh Airport CEO Gordon Dewar said “The return of direct flights to Beijing is fantastic news as we gear up for a hugely exciting summer and is further evidence of the strong recovery we’re seeing here at Edinburgh. This service will be the only one operating between Scotland and China when it is introduced and is a real show of faith in the market by Hainan Airlines. This important connectivity will provide a boost to Scotland’s universities and tourism industry, open up a wealth of new business opportunities, and enable better access to other parts of the world. We’re sure it will be highly valued whether it be by students travelling between the two countries to study, families reconnecting, or tourists travelling to visit new places.”

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