China will open 35 new air routes this year, shortening flying times and saving fuel for airlines hit by slumping traffic.
The Civil Aviation Administration of China said the new, more direct routes could be used by civil carriers. Combined, they will cut flying distances by about 2,900 km (1,800 miles),
The measure is intended to help airlines’ ‘cut costs and emissions,’ the statement cited CAAC official Su Langen as saying.
Airwise reported the routes will allow more direct connections from the southwest and northwest of the country to cities in the east and in the Pearl River Delta around southern Guangdong province. Some flights to and from Europe will also be shortened, it added.
Major Chinese carriers involved include China Southern Airlines, Air China and China Eastern Airlines.
China tightly controls its airspace, most of which is managed by the military. Airlines have pressed Beijing to be more flexible, to help save on fuel costs and cut flying times.
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