Chinese aviation: reports of its demise are greatly exaggerated, as outbound tourism burgeons

China, along with instability in the Middle East and the latest health concern, have become catch-all excuses for those looking to describe the challenges faced by aviation. Concerns elsewhere may be legitimate and, in the case of Brazilian economic weakness, showing serious impacts.

Yet China's aviation outlook is more than just bright; it is arguably the strongest it has been in its history. Chinese aviation is heading for an upturn over the next few years as part of its 'golden era' of development, forecast to run for perhaps 10-15 years.

International operations are producing growth and change on a profound scale, from the sheer size of the market to impacts on partnerships and global alliances. The domestic market continues to be delineated by the State-owned and private airlines. A rush of start-ups is under way, some of them better models than others. The shift to low cost output continues apace.