Chinese Low-cost Airlines Eye Growth Amid Stiff Competition
With the domestic market underserved, low-cost carriers could help fill the void
One of China's largest low-cost carriers is Spring Airlines. (Spring Airlines)
One of China's largest low-cost carriers is Spring Airlines. (Spring Airlines)

Over the past years, China’s traffic demand was strong, but the supply of civil aviation capability was weak. Air passenger traffic totaled 549 million in 2017. Domestic passenger traffic was massive, while traffic on international routes accounted for only 11 percent. Chinese low-cost carriers (LCCs) contributed little, making up only 7- to 8 percent of the domestic market, which was underserved. Currently, China hosts 10 LCCs with an overall fleet of 320 aircraft, 10 percent of the national total. The largest carriers are Spring Airlines and Beijing Capital Airlines.