China to take delivery of 241 aircraft in 2009

According to the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) Chinese airlines expect to take delivery of 241 aircraft this year, including 16 delayed deliveries from last year.

Although leases on 43 airplanes are expected to expire this year, available seats will increase by 16% with the addition of the new deliveries.

In 2008 Chinese airlines carried 192 million passengers and 4.03 million tons of cargo, respectively increases of 3.3% up and 0.2%. In previous years growth averaged 15%.

Although CAAC plans not to approve the establishment of any new airlines until next year, it will approve more commuter flights, like the Beijing-Shanghai express, to help airlines compete with high-speed rail services.
Source: AIN Online