China's aviation industry has opened direct air routes around the
globe, and has attracted worldwide attention with its flight safety
record.
The latest statistics from the Civil Aviation Administration of
China (CAAC) indicate 11 Chinese airlines offer flights to a total
of 62 cities in 32 countries. China has opened 145 international
air routes and 45 regional routes to Hong Kong or Macao, with the
overall length reaching 657,000 kilometers.
Meanwhile, more and more foreign airlines have become part of
China's market. Up to now, some 57 foreign airlines from 45
countries and regions offer flights to 20 Chinese cities. The rapid
and convenient international aviation net promotes the frequent
visits and friendly dialogue between China and rest of the
world.
Since September this year, China's aviation industry has provided
timely help to the world. Following the September 11 terrorist
attacks in the United States, many foreign planes had to fly
through the airspace in China's northwest, instead of the usual
route over Afghanistan.
So
far, about 1,200 international flights have used the route and
China's aviation departments have won praises from Malaysia
Airlines, Thai Airways, Lufthansa and others for ensuring flight
safety.
"China attaches great importance to aviation safety," said Liu
Jianfeng, director of CAAC. "We've increased investment in safe
infrastructure, organization, personnel training and technological
criterion.
On
this New Year's Eve, Air China will
mark its forty-seventh year of safe flying, a record which has
garnered international praise.
"This year, I frequently flew on Chinese airlines to other parts of
the world," commented Scot Kronick, managing director of Ogilvy in
China. "I feel they have good training and quality service."
China has also accelerated its pace to meet the international
aviation technological criterion.
"China will enhance international cooperation and foreign trade,
and encourage more personnel visits following its accession to the
World Trade Organization. These moves will bring both opportunities
and challenges to the aviation industry, which will finally make
China a strong aviation country," said CAAC director Liu.
(Xinhua News
Agency December 26, 2001)