New surcharge takes off and lands on locals - ResearchInChina
Date:2008-07-01
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DOMESTIC air carriers will raise their fuel surcharge by as much as 50 percent from tomorrow to offset rising fuel costs.
Each passenger will pay an extra 80 yuan for domestic routes under 800 kilometers, up from the current 60 yuan. For long-haul flights, the surcharge will rise to 150 yuan from the current 100 yuan, the Civil Aviation Administration of China and the National Development and Reform Commission announced yesterday.
Babies are exempt from the surcharge. Children, disabled servicemen and police officers who have been injured on duty will receive a 50 percent discount. Anyone who buys tickets before tomorrow need not pay the extra fuel surcharge.
The move comes on the heels of aviation fuel price increases introduced on June 20 as part of the country's efforts to reform energy prices and resources.
Shanghai travel agents said the adjustment may have some effect on the local tourism market but the effect would be minimal.
The Shanghai Airlines Holiday Travel Service Co Ltd said the surcharge would mean round trips of less 800 kilometers would cost 40 yuan more, trips of more than 800 kilometers would cost 100 yuan more.
"At present the market response is within our expectations," said Hu Xin, supervisor of the company's market development center.
"I don't think people will give up a tour only because they have to pay a little more in fuel surcharge," said Liu Xiaojun, an official with the company.
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