Beijing Airlines receives operator's licence

Beijing Airlines, a business jet JV between Air China and Beijing Government, received its operational licence from CAAC on 11-Apr-2011 (Beijing Daily/Carnoc.com, 12-Apr-2011). The carrier, with a registered capital of CNY1000 million (USD152 million), will tap into China's high-end travel market as well as engage in business jet service, aircraft management, aircraft charter and ground handling services. Beijing Airlines will be in direct competition with the HNA Group's Capital Airlines. Meanwhile, China Eastern Airlines previously announced plans to increase its fleet of business jets to three aircraft this year while China Southern Airlines is planning to introduce its first business jet.