Coronavirus: China will pay airlines as per seat km to bring passenger flights back

March 9, 2020: Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) on Friday, March 6 produced a notification by which it will provide financial support for Chinese and foreign airlines for operating international passenger flights during the prevention and control period of the novel coronavirus (Covid-19).

Execution period of the policy shall be from January 23, 2020, to June 30, 2020.

“To actively mitigate the impact of the novel coronavirus pneumonia epidemic on the civil aviation industry, encourage continuous operation on international routes, guide the restoration of the already suspended international flights, and support air carriers in their fight against the epidemic, the central treasury will arrange funds to support both Chinese and foreign air carriers during the prevention and control period of the Novel Coronavirus Pneumonia epidemic,” says the release.

• 0.0176 RMB per seat kilometre (ASK) for flights operated by multiple operators. 
• 0.0528 RMB per seat kilometre (ASK) for flights operated by a sole operator.