IATA said last week that it "strengthened its commitment to China’s aviation development" with the opening of its new North Asia Regional Office in Beijing.
CEO Giovanni Bisignani said safety standards, "simplifying the business," developing infrastructure and liberalization are the four key areas on which China’s airline industry needs to focus.
He said he "hopes" CAAC will consider using IOSA and IATA Safety Audit for Ground Operations and highlighted the need for the nation’s carriers to adopt 100% barcoded boarding passes by year end as well as to increase their participation in e-freight, and he encouraged China to join the IATA "Agenda for Freedom."
ATW Online reported that Bisignani commended China for its "impressive" safety record with no hull losses involving jet aircraft in the last five years and called the country a "star of the e-ticketing program" for achieving 100% e-ticketing ahead of schedule.