New measures are to be introduced to prevent the civil aviation industry from developing too quickly and to ensure the country maintains its good safety record, an official has said.
According to official figures, there have been no major aviation accidents in China for 37 months, or 9.93 million flight hours, a record for the industry.
The new measures will include controls on the number of aircraft purchases that can be made by airlines, and the introduction of tighter restrictions on new airlines entering the market.
Some 185 million people flew last year, 16 percent more than in 2006, and 3.96 million tons of cargo was transported, up 13 percent, year on year.
Ten of the country's airports last year handled more than 10 million passengers, compared with just seven airports a year earlier.
The CAAC has forecast airports this year will handle 210 million passengers, up almost 14 percent year on year, and 4.45 million tons of cargo, up 12 percent.
Industry insiders have added to the fears, saying that most small-scale private airlines lack pilots, so the ones they do have are forced to work a lot of overtime, which creates a safety risk.
These airlines will be specifically targeted by the new measures, Li said.
Airlines that cannot supply the required number of cockpit crew to fly its planes will not be allowed to import new aircraft or open new routes, he said.
A rule was introduced last year to suspend applications for new airlines until 2010, Li said. The administration will approve less than three airlines a year from the applications received before the rule was announced.
The administration will also impose stricter requirements on new airline applications, and closely scrutinize investors, plane ownership and pilot quality, he said.
Li, the former general manager of China National Aviation Holding Co, encouraged domestic airlines to open more long-distance international flights to Europe and North America, to "raise their percentage of share in the international market".
Questions:
1. When was the last time there was a major aviation accident in China?
2. What are two of the measures being introduced?
3. When will new airlines be able to apply to enter the Chinese market?
Answers:
1.37 months ago.
2.Controls on the number of aircraft purchases that can be made by airlines, and introduction of tighter restrictions on new airlines entering the market.
3.Until 2010.
（英语点津 Celene 编辑）
About the broadcaster:
Brendan is an Australian who has been involved in education and writing for over a decade. He has published most recently for the Tiger Airways Inflight magazine, The Bangkok Post, The Taipei Times and Japan's Hiroshima Outside Magazine. He holds a Masters Degree in Community Development and Management and has resided in China for over 3 years.
