Thunderstorms in Beijing have put a damper on the newly opened express air service between the Chinese capital and Shanghai, one of the busiest air routes in China.

Eighteen flights took off after being delayed for hours and two flights operated by China Eastern were canceled.

Sources with the Shanghai-based Hongqiao International Airport said many passengers were very disappointed.

The Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC), which initiated the service, has promised a maximum three-hour turnaround from final check-in to baggage claim.

The 36 express flights a day will be operated by Air China, China Eastern, China Southern, Hainan Airlines, and Shanghai Airlines, taking off almost every half-hour between Beijing Capital International Airport and Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport.

Passengers are allowed for the first time to transfer to the aircraft of any of the other four airlines at their destinations. But the service has put an end to hefty discounts offered by competing airline companies, and all weekday tickets will be sold at the full price of 1,130 yuan (US$149).

According to the CAAC plan, the period until Oct. 27 will be the trial operation phase; the winter and spring will be the improvement stage; and the summer and autumn of next year will be the promotion and expansion phase.

(Xinhua News Agency August 7, 2007)