27 new air routes, 207 new passenger flights

According to the General Administration of Civil Aviation of China (CAAC), China has mapped out its new air routes to Europe and the United States for the 2008-2009 period.

It appears that CAAC has tried really hard to get it right through serious research, seminars and the acceptance of suggestions from Air China, China Eastern, China Southern, Hainan Airlines and Shanghai Airlines. In truth, in many countries it is rare for the airlines even to be taken into consideration leave alone approached for their views.

The result will possibly be 27 new regular air routes to the US and Europe and an increase in passenger flights by 206 a week.

CAAC is apparently ready to release a copy of the draft plan for new air routes and flights with a view to getting it finalized by the end of the year.