Chinese carriers to introduce 290 new aircraft in 2011

CAAC Vice Director Wang Changshun stated Chinese carriers will introduce 290 new aircraft and retire 67 aircraft, for a net increase of 223 aircraft this year, 13.9% more than 2010 (China News/Shanghai Daily, 11/12-Jan-2011). Mr Wang stated CAAC will support the nation's carriers' fleet renewal plans but urged them to adjust fleet capacity to market demand. Mr Wang also urged airlines to focus on improving aircraft utilisation and load factor. Meanwhile, China's aviation industry introduced 187 new aircraft in 2010, 40 less than initially forecast, for a total fleet of 1604 at the end of 2010 (Yicai, 11-Jan-2011).