China Express Airlines to Spread Wings Abroad

China Express Airlines (G5), a Chongqing-based regional carrier, has applied to the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) for expansion of its business scope, in a bid to spread wings abroad, according to its brand release on Sep. 25, which was devoted to the company's nine-year anniversary.

Since its maiden flight in Sep. 2006, China Express Airlines has been penetrating regional network, and promoted code-share cooperation with Air China (CA), China Southern Airlines (CZ), Shandong Airlines (SC) to tap into truck routes. Meanwhile, the airline also has cooperated with Shenzhen Airlines (ZH) and Spring Airlines (SC) on transfer services. Furthermore, it has enhanced air-rail transport business with several Railway Departments, with plans to reach partnership with car rental firms, to optimize the airline's regional network and build a three-dimensional transportation system.

In the future, China Express Airlines will become a company that can provide one-stop transport solutions rather than an air carrier focusing on regional market, said Wu Longjiang, President of China Express Airlines in an interview to 21st Century Business Herald.

Now, China Express Airline is providing 130 domestic flights daily, using a fleet of 20 Bombardier CRJ-series aircraft. Next, the airline will continue to expand its reach to more destinations and plans to establish new bases in Northwest, Southeast and Central China. As the first airline dedicated in regional market, China Express Airlines has four operating bases in Guiyang, Chongqing, Dalian and Hohhot. The fifth base will be set up in October 2015, in Xi'an, Shaanxi Province.

Mr. Wu noted China Express Airlines will soon fly abroad. The airline has already submitted an application to the aviation watchdog for expanding its operations to cover international passenger and cargo services.

Pending government approval, the Chongqing-based carrier is considering launching international services to Russia, Japan and South Korea from cities in Northeast China, Mr. Wu added. The company may introduce larger single-aisle passenger planes to operate those international flights, including Bombardier C series.

The carrier now is undergoing a restructuring, transferring to a low-cost regional carrier model.