China imported US$3.73 billion worth of aircraft in the first five months of this year, an increase of 137.9% over the same period in 2005, the General Administration of Customs told state media. That amounted to 135 aircraft, a hike of 78.9%. The country is making a push to enlarge its fleet in view of growing demand for air travel. Passenger and cargo transport has risen by about 16% per year over the past two decades. Air travelers accounted for 284 million kilometers of air travel in 2005, up 17.5% from 2004. By the end of this year China is expected to have 1,300 aircraft.
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