North Asia Aviation Outlook 2018: Chinese airlines begin to take on the role of disruptor

AIRLINES ACROSS the world are increasingly putting aside their concerns regarding Gulf superconnectors to acknowledge the growing competitive concern about airlines in mainland China, which, in just one indication of their might, have opened over 100 new long haul destinations in the past decade.
Chinese fleet growth is still characterised by orders placed for near term delivery. They operate young Boeing 777-300ER fleets, so 777X sales are not an immediate concern. A350 sales are increasing, while the A330neo and the assumed Boeing 797 will one day be good fits for the region's airlines.
There is much to be addressed in the way that the airlines interface with each other through partnerships and alliances. There were significant changes in 2017 that will be put to bed in 2018 - or perhaps overturned.

Summary

• Partnerships are still in flux in Asia, unlike their settled nature in North America and Europe
• LCCs taking longer than expected to grow in mainland China
• A330neo and Boeing 797 are a good fit for Asian airlines
• Mainland Chinese airlines opening new long haul routes, but dependent on subsidies and incentives
• Airlines outside China are putting aside concerns about Gulf airlines to worry about the growing role of Chinese airlines