Thunderstorms in Beijing have put a damper on the newly opened
express air service between the Chinese capital and Shanghai, one of the busiest air routes in
China.
Eighteen flights took off after being delayed for hours and two
flights operated by China Eastern were canceled.
Sources with the Shanghai-based Hongqiao International Airport
said many passengers were very disappointed.
The Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC), which
initiated the service, has promised a maximum three-hour turnaround
from final check-in to baggage claim.
The 36 express flights a day will be operated by Air China,
China Eastern, China Southern, Hainan Airlines, and Shanghai
Airlines, taking off almost every half-hour between Beijing Capital
International Airport and Shanghai Hongqiao International
Airport.
Passengers are allowed for the first time to transfer to the
aircraft of any of the other four airlines at their destinations.
But the service has put an end to hefty discounts offered by
competing airline companies, and all weekday tickets will be sold
at the full price of 1,130 yuan (US$149).
According to the CAAC plan, the period until Oct. 27 will be the
trial operation phase; the winter and spring will be the
improvement stage; and the summer and autumn of next year will be
the promotion and expansion phase.
(Xinhua News Agency August 7, 2007)
