China - November 20, 2024 Global airlines increase flights to China to meet rising demand (Voice_over) International passenger flights to and from China have recovered to 80 percent of pre-pandemic levels, new data shows, with demand for international travel soaring in the Chinese market. Due to varying factors in different geographical locations, China's passenger aviation industry had an uneven recovery. But demand is once again booming with many foreign airlines having recently adjusted their routes to meet Chinese market needs. Delta, a major airline from the U.S., has announced a resumption of direct flights between Shanghai and L.A. starting in June next, with three flights scheduled per week. Kenya Airways is planning a direct flight from Nairobi to Beijing. Singapore Airlines meanwhile will expand the number of routes to China to cover eight airports in seven Chinese cities, for a total of 98 flights per week. (Sound_bite) Ng Boon Kiat Melvin, General manager, Singapore Airlines China: "China is a very important market to us. We will keep a close eye on this market and timely adjust our route network and capacity in China." (Voice_over) Experts predict the number of international passenger flights during China's 2024 to 2025 Winter and Spring season will be 11 percent higher than this year's summer and autumn season. [Restriction: No access Chinese mainland]