CAAC: air pax to exceed 300 million in 2012, fleet at 1907 at the end of Sep-2012

CAAC deputy director Li Jun, speaking at the China air finance development (DFTP) summit, stated China's air passenger numbers will exceed 300 million this year, a 2.4% year-on-year compared to 293 million in 2011. As at the end of Sep-2012, Chinese carriers operated a fleet of 1907 aircraft including 20% under financing and 38% under operating lease. Mr Li also stated China's aviation leasing industry had a late start but has seen rapid growth in recent years with more than 20 domestic companies currently engaged in aviation leasing. [more - original PR - Chinese]