A comprehensive assessment of air transportation in Mainland China

Abstract

This study attempts to obtain an overall picture of air transportation in Mainland China, domestic and international, past and present, so as to lay the ground for further studies. A brief history of early aviation development in China is described from limited available sources: the first sign of aviation in 1919, the starting of commercial aviation in 1929, general development under the Nationalists before 1949, and the establishment and growth of CAAC under the Communists. Then, the present situations of airline operations, CAAC and foreign, are discussed. As for domestic operations, flight schedules and timetables, a complete route map showing the important air hubs in the network, the direct service networks and summaries of the connections, fares, frequencies, non-stop distances etc. of 22 major cities are detailed to give a general view of CAAC's scheduled services. Internationally, an account of all foreign airlines serving China, their schedules and timetables, summaries of their present operations are tabulated. Next, CAAC's fares and rate structure, aircraft equipments and a comparison of CAAC with other airlines are touched upon. A brief description of airports and navigation aids in China is included. Maps are drawn showing their locations. Finally, the development of China's aviation relationships with her foreign partners is presented. Major partners like the U.S.S.R., Pakistan, France, Ethiopia and Japan are discussed in details.