The aviation administration department of the Chinese mainland
yesterday began to take over air traffic regulations around
Sanya,
a coastal city in South China's Hainan Province.
Air traffic regulations around the South China Sea
were previously burdened by the International Aviation
Transport Association (IATA). The region covers about 284,000
square kilometers.
From 3:30 am, the air traffic regulation department in Sanya began
to provide all kinds of transport services to airlines which fly
across the region.
The air routes in the region were increased from three to six in
order to allow more airlines to pass at the same time.
Sources with the General Administration of Civil Aviation of China
(CAAC) described the take-over as an important event for China's
aviation industry.
CAAC has been requesting the air regulation of the region for the
past 20 years. CAAC finally reached a comprehensive agreement with
related countries and regions earlier this year.
An
air traffic regulation center in Sanya, which is armed with the
most advanced equipment in the world, will be responsible for the
concrete work in air traffic regulation. All employees have
received strict training from IATA.
Sources with the center said documents about the new air
regulations had been distributed to related airlines
beforehand.
According to the rules from IATA, the center will also be
responsible for providing rescue services in the region.
Sources with China Southern Airlines said new regulations would
improve the efficiency of the busy air space by helping planes pass
more quickly.
Pilots working for the airline have carefully studied the new air
regulations, and have said it was quite easy to understand and work
with.
The air space around the South China Sea regions is a key air
channel linking East Asia and Southeast Asian regions.
Several airlines from Taiwan had asked the CAAC to fly through the
air routes, and the administration approved their appeals and
promised to provide related services for them.
(China
Daily November 3, 2001)