Airbus: China needs 2,800 aircraft in 20 years

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2008-04-27 10:08

Chinese mainland will need to add more than 2,800 passenger aircraft and freighters in the 20 years through 2026, European plane maker Airbus forecast.

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The demand, valued $329 billion, represents 11.6 percent of the world total for more than 24,000 new aircraft during the period, it noted.

China's demand for passenger aircraft is only second to the United States in the period, said John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer for Customers.

An estimated 2,670 passenger aircraft and 130 cargo planes will be added into the mainland's fleet, according to Airbus' 2007-2008 Global Market Forecast (China). The passenger fleet would triple in size by 2026.

Among the total, the mainland will need more than 1,900 single aisle aircraft, nearly 700 twin-aisles and 190 very large aircraft (VLA), it said.

The number of VLAs, such as A380, needed on the mainland is forecast to rise, as the traffic from and to China increases greatly and becomes highly concentrated in cities like Beijing and Shanghai.

The passenger and cargo traffic on the mainland is expected to grow five-fold and six-fold, respectively, in the 20 years, said Airbus.

"In terms of in-service aircraft, Airbus' market share on the mainland has increased from 7 percent in 1995 to the current 38 percent. Our aim is to reach 50 percent in 2011," Leahy noted.

AirAsia expands flights into Ho Chi Minh

Airline Code [AXM] View More AirAsia News

AirAsia Profile

AirAsia officially held a double celebration on 18-Apr-08 to mark the low-cost carrier’s entry from Kuala Lumpur and Bangkok to Ho Chi Minh City. AirAsia currently operates direct daily flights from the Kuala Lumpur hub and two weekly flights from its Bangkok hub. Bangkok-Ho Chi Minh flights will be increased to four times weekly commencing 27-Apr-08. Together, AirAsia Group has a combined of 11 flights weekly to Ho Chi Minh.

AirAsia group is aggressively expanding and strengthening its network in Indochina. Collectively the low cost carrier has nine points into Indochina, including Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, Vientiane, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh from Kuala Lumpur and Phnom Penh, Yangon, Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh from Bangkok.

AirAsia Group services a combined 101 routes and 53 destinations, while AirAsia X, AirAsia’s long-haul low-lost affiliate services two international destinations.

Dato’ Pahamin Ab Rajab, Chairman of AirAsia, said “20,000 seats have been snapped up since we opened the Kuala Lumpur–Ho Chi Minh on 12-Mar-08 and Bangkok-Ho Chi Minh on 03-Mar-08.”

Meanwhile, Mr Tassapon Bijleveld, CEO of Thai AirAsia, commented “We started with only two flights on 04-Apr-08 and will add third and fourth flights on 27-Apr-08.”

To date, AirAsia group has carried over 49 million passengers and has grown from a two-aircraft fleet to 70 today, all within a short span of six years in operation.

© Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation. Date posted: 21-Apr-08

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Sihanoukville Cambodia Airport Opening

by Saigon Charlie

Sihanoukville Airport

April 12, 2004 - Sihanoukville Airport's re-opening took place without a hitch just before the Khmer New Year's celebration. As the 48-passenger, Russian made AN-24 made a picture perfect landing and taxied to the new and very modern terminal building, the assembled guests and dignitaries made their way out to the tarmac to greet those flying down from Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville for the historical event.

Prior to the landing, a ceremony was held in which the Monks blessed the airport and said prayers for the success and happiness of everyone involved. After this important event and arrival of the VIPs from Phnom Penh, another ceremony was held in the main terminal facility for guests numbering over 100.

His Excellency, Mr. Pok Sam Ell, Secretary of State for the State Secretariat of Civil Aviation, spoke first. He was followed by Geoff Rider, the new General Manager of Sihanoukville Airport.

Mr. Rider stated that, "The new opening of the Sokha Beach Resort (a photo gallery) last Thursday which is the first International Beach Resort in Cambodia and the opening of the airport today will put Sihanoukville on the regional and international tourist map."

Mr. Rider also indicated that he expected large numbers of travelers between Siem Reap and Sihanoukville and that "as the tourism industry in Sihanoukville expands the airport will grow with the industry". He also indicated that there was additional provisions for the passenger terminal and customs and immigration services.

He also went on to mention the importance of working closely with the Sihanoukville Tourism Forum as well as local industry such as Cambrew which is the Sihanoukville brewer and bottler of Angkor and Pepsi products.

After these comments, airport guests and staff were treated to a buffet provided by Ariston Holdings, which is the group responsible for the management, maintenance and development of the new Sihanoukville Airport as well as partners in the development of the new 9-hole golf course alongside Ochheuteal Beach, Sihanoukville's most popular beach.

Airport operations are the responsibility of Ariston Holdings with the airport itself under the control of the State Secretariat of Civil Aviation (SSCA). The airport's runway is 1,300 meters long and 34 meters wide and is capable of handling both general aviation and large, multi-engine, turbo-props such as the AN-24 and ATR-72. Plans are in place to expand the runway to accommodate even larger regional jet aircraft as well.

The 5 parking slots on the 275 x 90 meter tarmac in front of the very modern terminal building will hopefully soon be used to accommodate daily air operations from the capital of Phnom Penh and the resorts and temples of Siem Reap. Airport air traffic control is to be provided by Cambodia's C.A.T.S. - Cambodian Air Traffic Services both from their center in Phnom Penh as well as from the control tower located on top of the new terminal.

With the 'soft opening' of the airport in April 2004, it marks the first time since 1998 that regularly scheduled air operations and charter flights are expected to begin.

Photo: His Excellency, Mr. Pok Sam Ell and Mr. Geoff Rider sharing some ideas about Sihanoukville's airport future development and growth.

Mr. Rider with C.A.T.S. personnel in the new and modern airport control tower.

Progress Multitrade Captain Sergey with an airport opening guest in front of the modern terminal facilities. Captain Sergey and his crew of 5 answered many questions for members of the press and guests.

Ms. Khin Chaw Su (on right), Office Administrator for Nagacorp in Phnom Penh was very helpful and friendly with her efforts at making guests comfortable.

Sihanoukville Airport Photo Gallery

The new Sihanoukville Airport's opening days ceremonies,
aircraft arrival, speeches and banquet.

Arriving at 06:30 in the morning of the airport's opening and arrival of its 1st aircraft.	The terminal building hall ready for today's VIPs.
Pok Sam Ell and Geoff Rider conferring about the day's activities.	Working out the details.
	Mr. Geoff Rider, the airport's general manager, conferring with C.A.T.S. personnel about the aircraft's arrival in the control tower.
	View of the parking area from the top of the control tower.
The view from the top of the control tower looking southwest towards Ream Beach.
	Touchdown!
	The 1st flight's passengers onloading.
The Progess Multitrade AN-24 Flight Crew.	Cockpit of the AN-24.
Interior of the 48 passenger AN-24.
His Excellency Pok Sam Ell making comments during the opening cermonies.	Geoff Rider making his comments.
	The banquet has begun!
Leaving back for Phnom Penh	Ready for takeoff.
Charles watching the days events.