World Routes 2018: China expands global connectivity by opening more flight routes

World
Europe

02:05

One of China's fastest growing cities is becoming even more connected. Officials announced dozens of new international flights will be launched from Guangzhou. CGTN's reporter He Weiwei has more.

Tang Hu Lu, or Candied fruit from China; toast from Singapore; and dancing from Colombia. This is not a cultural expo, but the "World Routes 2018" Forum.

At the opening ceremony, several agreements were signed to open new international flights between Guangzhou and the cities of Madrid, Milan, St. Petersburg, and Islamabad.

QIU JIACHEN PRESIDENT, GUANGZHOU BAIYUN INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT "More flight routes will boost tourism, business and cultural exchanges between China and countries along the 'Belt and Road' Initiative. Guangzhou plans to open more than 20 international routes over the next three years."

China is now the second largest market for aviation, after the US. Participating at the forum, international airports, airlines and tourism agencies are trying their best to impress visitors.

HE WEIWEI GUANGZHOU "Walking around different exhibition booths is like taking several mini trips to different countries. This event shows how small the world can be, all thanks to the global aviation."

The International Air Transport Association estimates that the biggest driver of aviation demand over the next two decades will be the Asia-Pacific region. To increase capacity, China plans to build 130 new airports by 2025.

TEWOLDE GEBREMARIAM CEO, ETHIOPIAN AIRLINES "We are investing heavily in the Asia-Pacific, particular in China. China now is the greatest market in the region for us, next to India. We want to grow further."

According to event organizers, China is expected to displace the US to become the world's largest aviation market within the next five years.

HWW, CGTN, GZ.