Chinese carriers to transport 480m passengers in 2016

Chinese carriers are expected to transport 480m passengers this year, up 11% over 432.4m in 2015, according to CAAC. Cargo traffic volume is predicted to reach 6.64m tonnes. The regulator said Chinese carriers took delivery of 270 aircraft from January to November. It is noteworthy that Chinese carriers made a rapid international expansion this year as domestic airlines opened 260 new international routes in the same timeframe. Available seats on international routes increased 22.2% while passenger boardings were up 23.4% on international routes. Available seats on domestic LCCs grew 19.4% while passengers transported by Chinese LCCs increased 21.4%, according to CAAC. The CAAC said Chinese carriers expect to carry 536m passengers in 2017, up 10.8% over 2016. <br/>