China's total air transportation turnover sustained double-digit growth in April, with international routes showing particularly strong performance, data from the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) showed.
The civil aviation sector recorded a total transportation turnover of 12.93 billion ton-kilometers for the month, up 13.7 percent year on year. Of this, domestic routes accounted for 8 billion ton-kilometers, marking a 7.2 percent increase, while international routes contributed 4.93 billion ton-kilometers, representing a robust year-on-year growth of 26 percent.
In terms of passenger transport, strong travel demand supported steady growth in domestic passenger volume, with the growth rate rising by 4.9 percentage points from the first quarter. Meanwhile, international passenger traffic surged by 25.9 percent year on year.
"The international (passenger) market has emerged as a bright spot this month, particularly with the rapid increase in inbound demand from foreign tourists. The market has recorded a growth rate of over 20 percent, effectively contributing to the overall positive development of the passenger transport sector for the month," said Zhong Shan, chief economist at the Institute of Air Transport, China Academy of Civil Aviation Science and Technology.
In terms of freight transport, domestic air cargo saw an accelerated growth rate in April, rising by 4.5 percentage points compared with the first quarter. Transport of international air cargo maintained strong growth momentum, posting a substantial year-on-year increase of 26.3 percent.
"From March to May, the domestic freight market recorded a 10 percent growth rate, driven by e-commerce festivals and the peak season for fresh fruit across various regions. Meanwhile, the continued expansion of China's foreign trade and growing ties with Belt and Road countries have further fueled the rapid growth of international air freight," said Zhong.
In addition, data from the CAAC showed that international routes performed strongly from January to April, with passenger traffic rising by 31.9 percent year on year, and cargo and postal traffic increasing by 22.6 percent year on year.
China sees double-digit growth in total turnover of air transport in April
Visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Saturday China is willing to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and advance the China-Lesotho strategic partnership.
Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks when meeting with Lesotho Prime Minister Sam Matekane in the capital of Lesotho.
During the meeting, Wang congratulated Lesotho on the 60th anniversary of its independence this year, and spoke highly of Lesotho government's efforts to prioritize economic development and steer the African country onto a path of sustainable growth. Since the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in 2024, the two sides have advanced cooperation under the 10 partnership action plans unveiled at the summit, successfully implementing a number of key projects to effectively promote Lesotho's development and revitalization, Wang said.
China stands ready to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and push for greater development of the China-Lesotho strategic partnership, he added.
Calling on the two sides to firmly support each other, Wang said that China will accelerate the implementation of its zero-tariff policy for African countries, including Lesotho, expand bilateral trade, investment and industrial cooperation, facilitate broader access of Lesotho's specialty products to the Chinese market, and continue to support Lesotho's national development.
China will continue to stand firmly with African countries, uphold justice for the Global South, including Lesotho, oppose unilateralism and acts of bullying, and work together to build a community with a shared future for humanity, Wang said.
On his part, Matekane said during the meeting that Lesotho cherishes its friendship with China and the strategic partnership between the two countries, and expressed gratitude for China's valuable support for the development of African countries, including Lesotho.
Lesotho firmly adheres to the one-China principle and resolutely supports China in safeguarding its core interests, he said, noting that his country stands ready to strengthen strategic mutual trust with China, expand people-to-people exchanges, jointly implement the outcomes of the FOCAC Beijing Summit, and deepen cooperation in areas such as infrastructure, manufacturing and energy.
Matekane stressed that China's zero-tariff policy for African products will inject new impetus into Lesotho's development. He also expressed Lesotho's willingness to strengthen solidarity and cooperation with China on multilateral platforms such as BRICS to jointly address global challenges.
On the same day, Wang also held talks with Lejone Mpotjoana, minister of foreign affairs and international relations of Lesotho.
China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation
China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation
