China's low-cost airline to begin operations in Sept.
低成本航空公司九元航空9月开始运营
A new, low-cost carrier has signed an agreement with The Boeing Company to purchase 50 aircraft, worth more than 6 billion dollars. Jiu Yuan Airlines, or 9 Air, is planning to start domestic services to meet the growing demand for cheaper air travel.
Taking a flight for only 9 yuan -- or less than 1.5 dollars -- is a fantasy about to become reality.
The newest budget carrier plans to introduce many low-cost options like 9 yuan, 99 yuan and 199 yuan starting later this year.
"The number of 9-yuan tickets will be very limited, but we plan to consistently provide these low-cost tickets. How to control and lower costs is the major difference between budget airlines and traditional airlines," president of Jiu Yuan Airlines Ji Guangping said.
Ji Guangping says the air service will be adjusted according to prices and customers’ needs.
He believes a huge market like Guangzhou -- China’s southern business hub and a top destination for rural migrant workers -- always needs more options with competitive prices.
The airline will initially fly a short domestic service from Guangzhou, and then expand into Southeast Asia in the future.
"We decided to use brand new aircraft to guarantee a safe journey for passengers. We also hope these planes will provide more comfort and better services," Ji Guangping said.
The airline is set to begin flights in September.
China’s economic growth is helping make air travel affordable to more people... And the great market potential in the civil aviation sector has attracted more low-cost airlines.