An industry report pointed out that this figure is much higher than the one reported last year, when losses amounted to 137 billion yuan (nearly 20 billion dollars) in damages.

According to the report, the depth and persistence of the effects associated with the pandemic exceeded all expectations, and the decrease was seen in both domestic cargo and passenger transportation.

During the period, international travel remained reduced, with only 336 routes to several countries, far below the 953 routes that existed in 2019.

Likewise, Air China, China Eastern and China Southern, the country’s major airlines, also reported lower revenues due to factors such as higher fuel prices and the depreciation of the Chinese currency against the US dollar this year.

China is currently holding negotiations with several countries with a view to increasing passenger flights, and officials stressed the benefit of such an action to meet the needs of people-to-people exchanges, the domestic economy and the industry’s sustainable development.

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