China’s Airlines: Turn their attention to Europe routes

IN JAN-2019 THERE were 11 applications to the Civil Aviation Administration of China for route launches to Europe and one for an additional frequency. If approved, there will be 10 new routes from China to Europe, of which seven will be to Italy. These possible launches would come on top of 11 other new routes already in the schedules for northern summer 2019 relative to summer 2018.
The new route applications involved five Chinese airlines, including one, Shanghai Airlines (applying to fly Shanghai-Budapest), that has not previously operated to Europe. Nine other airlines have entered the market between China and Western/Central Europe over the past five years.
The aviation market between China and Western/Central Europe has grown significantly over the past five years. The number of airlines operating in this market is up by nearly two thirds, the number of routes has more than doubled, and annual seat capacity is up by 150%.