The Hindu Business Line : Slowdown brake on China growth

For the past few years, China has been the apple of America’s eye. Not any more, so it appears, if the present developments are any indication. Reports have it that American Airlines has postponed the launch of its planned services from Chicago to Beijing until April 2010. The service was due to start from April 2009. Rising fuel cost and the sluggish economy have been cited as the reasons for postponement. But then American Airlines is not the only US airline to opt for such a measure. Several other US carriers, either presently offering services or planning new services, have reduced frequency, suspended services or put off plans. Meanwhile, reports in Shipping Gazette quoting Logistics Week suggest that China’s air transport growth continues to shrink. Passenger volumes at China’s airports went up 5.4 per cent in the first half of the current year while mail cargo was up 8.1 per cent, registering slower growth than the same period last year. Landings and departures at Shanghai Pudong airport, the country’s major airport, were up 6.8 per cent in the first half, less than last year’s 9.1 per cent growth. The passenger throughput grew 2.7 per cent compared to last year’s 6.5 per cent and mail and cargo volume by 10.2 per cent (16.3 per cent).

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