New short-cut to China

THE International Air Transport Association (IATA), has welcomed the implementation of a new air route over China, that will reduce air traffic congestion during the Beijing Olympics. The new route, is designated B208.

“We call this route the Olympic Bypass. It will alleviate air traffic delays and congestion, as flights from Europe to Shanghai, Guangzhou and Hong Kong, will no longer have to be channelled through Beijing. This is especially critical with the Olympics in August. The experience of previous Olympics host cities tells us that there will be significantly more air traffic in China’s skies during the Olympics,” said Giovanni Bisignani, IATA’s director general and chief executive officer.

“The Olympic Bypass is the result of numerous discussions we have had with the Chinese authorities since 2006. By shortening the route by 60 nautical miles, we will save about 83,000 tons of CO2 annually. This is a win-win for all – the Chinese Government, travellers, airlines and most importantly, the environment.

“The Olympic Bypass demonstrates the Chinese Government’s continued commitment to improve efficiency in air traffic management in China’s airspace. While being introduced to deal with Olympic-related congestion, this is the latest in a series of major permanent improvements to China’s air traffic management infrastructure,” said Bisignani.

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