Monday, May 27, 2024 China Southern aims for a robust recovery with 80% of pre-pandemic international flights set to resume this summer, signaling a strong airline rebound. China’s three major state-owned airlines experienced mixed financial results in the initial quarter, with two reporting reduced losses amidst a resurgence in global travel post-pandemic, and a third turning a profit. China Eastern Airlines and Air China, two of the nation’s largest carriers, noted losses, albeit lower than previous quarters.
Conversely, China Southern Airlines achieved a profit during this period. Industry experts believe the sector is still rebounding from pandemic impacts but anticipate further progress in the second quarter, boosted by expected robust travel during the five-day Labour Day holiday commencing Wednesday. From the end of March, these airlines have accelerated the restoration of international routes in preparation for the upcoming summer peak season.
China Eastern disclosed that its international flight operations have almost reached 90% of the levels seen in 2019. Meanwhile, China Southern projects its international flights this summer will hit 80% of the figures recorded before the pandemic. The Civil Aviation Administration of China earlier announced that it aims for international flight numbers to reach 80% of their pre-COVID levels by year-end.
In anticipation of a surge in long-term demand, the airlines are adding domestically produced narrow-body C919 aircraft to .
