newstodate.aero
MAY 23, 2003 (newstodate) Chinese media, Xinhua News says the country's airline industry has been badly hit by the SARS outbreak.
In reponse to the situation, the three major Chinese airline companies have delayed delivery of 39 new aircraft, merged flights with occupancy rates lower than 15 percent, and cancelled or postponed investment projects.
The airlines have also increased cargo traffic to compensate for the loss of passengers. While air cargo rates have risen slightly in general, the increase has been up 30 to 40 percent on some routes due to the imbalance between sustained demand and decreased belly hold cargo capacity after cuts in flights.
In reponse to the situation, the three major Chinese airline companies have delayed delivery of 39 new aircraft, merged flights with occupancy rates lower than 15 percent, and cancelled or postponed investment projects.
The airlines have also increased cargo traffic to compensate for the loss of passengers. While air cargo rates have risen slightly in general, the increase has been up 30 to 40 percent on some routes due to the imbalance between sustained demand and decreased belly hold cargo capacity after cuts in flights.