(Yicai) March 7 -- The chairmen of Juneyao Airlines and Spring Airlines have put forward suggestions to China’s top political advisory body on how to spur the recovery in flights to and from the country, after international passenger numbers last year were still less than half of what they were in 2019.

Regarding the lack of outbound routes at China's major airports and the prominent issue of the homogenization of long-haul routes, Juneyao’s Wang Junjin proposed an increase in air traffic rights, particularly for the European and Asian markets, which have perked up relatively well, and especially between Beijing and Shanghai and major hubs in Europe, Japan, and South Korea.

He also suggested concentrating route resources on the airport hubs in Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou, while encouraging private carriers to actively take part international competition as a supplement to international hubs, thereby boosting their accessibility.

Last year, China’s international passenger numbers rose to only 42 percent of the pre-pandemic level, while the flight capacity supply returned to just 38 percent, Wang pointed out, noting that both are in need of improvement.

The Civil Aviation Administration of China aims to have around 6,000 international flights a week by the end of this year, about 80 percent of the 2019’s level.

Wang Yu, chairman of Spring Airlines and also a member of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, proposed clearing away impediments to inbound tourism and increasing the number of visitors to the country.

He suggested improving services related to the recruitment, placement, and residence of foreign nationals. China should also attract more overseas tourists, companies, and workers to stay by holding global activities and exhibitions promoting the country, so as to promote China through these individuals, their friends, and relatives.

Policy support also must be improved, including making it more convenient to get visas and enhancing the coordination and support for international flights by airport, customs, and border authorities, Wang Yu said.

Editor: Martin Kadiev