The Rise of Chinese Airlines Dominating European Skies
Last summer, China Eastern airlines made a bold move, announcing a critically important expansion of its European operations. The airline planned to launch 19 new routes and offer a staggering 244 weekly round trips.
However, the crown jewel of Chinese air travel to Europe belongs to Air China. This airline titan boasts a commanding presence with 32 routes and 53 daily flights, a remarkable 116 percent increase compared to pre-pandemic levels, according to the Global Times.
This surge in Chinese air travel has dramatically reshaped the European aviation landscape. Analyst Piotr Grobelny revealed in October that Chinese airlines now control a whopping 77 percent of the traffic between China and Europe, a significant jump from the pre-pandemic level of 50 percent.In specific markets like Italy and the UK, Chinese carriers hold a near-monopoly, commanding 100 percent and 95 percent of the market share, respectively.
While European airlines acknowledge this shift,they’ve largely remained silent,accepting this reality as a consequence of geopolitical pressures. Andrew Charlton, managing director of the Aviation Advocacy consultancy, believes direct action is unlikely.
"European carriers could try to lobby for competitors to also be subject to the airspace closure, but this approach is unlikely to succeed," Charlton said.
Willie Walsh, director general of the International Air Transport Association (IATA), argues that the closure of Russian airspace is politically motivated, not based on safety or security concerns. He sees European airlines as victims of this geopolitical maneuvering.
How are European airlines responding to the competition posed by Chinese carriers?
Interview: The Surge of Chinese Airlines in European Skies
Editor (Time.news): Welcome, Dr. jane Li, aviation industry expert and analyst. With the recent developments in Chinese airlines dominating European air travel, we’re eager to gain your insights on this trend. Can you start by elaborating on the significant expansion we’ve seen from chinese airlines, notably China Eastern and Air China?
Dr. Jane Li: Thank you for having me.Indeed, the summer expansion announced by China Eastern Airlines is monumental. Launching 19 new routes and offering 244 weekly round trips is an aggressive strategy to increase their footprint in Europe. additionally, Air China’s impressive 32 routes and 53 daily flights, which reflect a 116 percent increase compared to pre-pandemic levels, clearly illustrate a robust recovery and expansion path for Chinese airlines in the face of global challenges.
Editor: This surge has shifted the aviation landscape.Can you explain the implications of chinese airlines capturing 77 percent of traffic between China and Europe?
Dr. Jane Li: Absolutely.This dramatic increase from 50 percent pre-pandemic indicates a ample change not just in market dynamics but also in consumer behavior. With Chinese carriers controlling near-monopolies in specific markets like Italy and the UK—100 percent and 95 percent market share respectively—it raises competitiveness issues for European airlines. The implications extend to pricing strategies, service offerings, and overall market accessibility, threatening European carriers’ established routes.
Editor: European airlines seem to be relatively silent about this shift. Why do you think that is?
Dr. Jane Li: it’s a complex scenario.Geopolitical pressures have certainly influenced this silence.As Andrew Charlton points out, direct lobbying from European carriers to close airspace may not yield results. Instead, manny see this situation as a outcome of larger geopolitical maneuvers rather than a direct threat to their operations. the focus appears to be on adapting to the reality rather than engaging in a futile struggle against the current trends.
Editor: Willie Walsh of IATA also mentioned that the closure of Russian airspace is politically motivated. How does this impact European airlines?
Dr. Jane Li: The closure of Russian airspace has had significant repercussions on European airlines. It has effectively restricted their operational reach and forced them into a corner, unable to compete on equal footing with Chinese carriers benefiting from option routes. This situation highlights the intricacies of international aviation policy, where airlines become bystanders to geopolitical strategies.
Editor: For those in the travel industry and consumers alike, what advice would you offer in light of these changes?
Dr. Jane Li: For travel industry stakeholders, it’s crucial to recognize the evolving market landscape.they should consider partnerships with Chinese airlines or explore new route opportunities that cater to changing demand. For travelers,I recommend being aware of these changes,as they may encounter more competitive pricing and diverse services from chinese airlines. Ultimately, flexibility and adaptability will be key for everyone involved in the aviation sector.
Editor: Dr. Li, it’s been a pleasure discussing these pivotal changes in the aviation industry. Your insights into the rise of Chinese airlines and their implications in Europe are invaluable.
Dr.Jane Li: Thank you! I appreciate the opportunity to share my thoughts on such an crucial topic in the aviation world.