China is Flying High Again: Cirium Survey Shows Remarkable Consumer Confidence for a Travel Restart
21.10.2021 05:00:00 EEST | Business Wire | Press release
Chinese travelers are leading the airline travel recovery, with 96% intending to travel, according to a new survey by Cirium, the aviation analytics company. 81% of respondents say they plan to fly at least once within the next 12 months and 50% plan to fly by this autumn. Of those planning to travel, 73% stated it was for leisure with only 24% planning business travel.
This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211020005941/en/
Cirium's new Traveler Intelligence Report reveals China is flying high again. (Graphic: Business Wire)
The pent-up demand is also reflected in China’s passenger traffic, which is showing signs of a strong recovery. As of September 2021, China traffic was at 87% of 2019 levels — way ahead the rest of Asia (42%).
The survey revealed that two thirds (66%) of Chinese travelers have taken a domestic flight since the start of the pandemic. Cirium schedules data reveal domestic travel in Q4 is primed to outpace pre-pandemic levels, growing by some 15% compared to Q4 2019.
Following months of restrictions aligned to China’s Zero-COVID policy, pent-up demand for a major return to international and regional travel is palpable.
More than half (61%) of respondents shared that they are ready to travel out of mainland China once borders are open, with Southeast Asia as the region of choice, followed by Europe, Australia/New Zealand and East Asia.
Jeremy Bowen, CEO at Cirium said: “The Cirium survey highlights the Chinese traveler’s confidence in flying domestically and pent-up demand when it comes to flying internationally. There is a clear preference for Southeast Asia, so the challenge faced is to bring back travel to other markets such as East Asia, which was a previous top destination.”
“The results also show the importance of health and safety measures, which will need to be in place to increase the confidence in traveling internationally from China.”
While Chinese travelers show confidence in flying again, 35% of those surveyed claimed that they would be less likely to travel by air, post-pandemic. They were principally concerned over health, hygiene and safety.
Almost all of the respondents (96%) support the mandatory requirement to wear a face mask when travelling by air. And over 85% support the introduction of health passports as a prerequisite to flying, and the use of apps that promote touchless travel.
When choosing an airline, respondents placed importance on mandatory mask wearing (66%), improved cleaning processes in place (65%) and proof of negative pre-departure COVID-19 test (62%).
Chinese travelers were divided when it came to the time spent at the airport. 53% of travelers claimed they will reduce the amount of time they spend at airports, compared to 21% who will look to increase their time at the airport as they feel safer with the COVID-19 safety measures in place.
The survey was carried out by independent market intelligence firm AudienceNet on behalf of Cirium. The firm interviewed over 2,060 adults in mainland China between August 30 and September 8, 2021. The margin of error in the reported data did not exceed +/-3% at the 95% confidence level.
Click here to read the full China Cirium Traveler Intelligence Report.
Additional insights on air travel in the full report include:
- The importance of flying on modern aircraft
- Future use of airport lounges
- Cabin class preferences
- Top destinations outside of mainland China
Ends
For further information please follow Cirium updates on WeChat or visit www.cirium.com.
About Cirium
Cirium brings together powerful data and analytics to keep the world moving. Delivering insight, built from decades of experience in the sector, enabling travel companies, aircraft manufacturers, airports, airlines and financial institutions, among others, to make logical and informed decisions which shape the future of travel, growing revenues and enhancing customer experiences. Cirium is part of RELX, a global provider of information-based analytics and decision tools for professional and business customers. The shares of RELX PLC are traded on the London, Amsterdam and New York Stock Exchanges using the following ticker symbols: London: REL; Amsterdam: REN; New York: RELX.
To view this piece of content from cts.businesswire.com, please give your consent at the top of this page.
View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211020005941/en/
Contact information
For media enquiries please contact:
June Lee (APAC) / Rachel Humphries (Global)
media@cirium.com
Mindy Wang (China) at Dan Communications
shumei.wang@cirium.com
Kyoko Ishida (Japan) at Train Tracks
cirium@traintracks.jp
About Business Wire
For more than 50 years, Business Wire has been the global leader in press release distribution and regulatory disclosure.
Subscribe to releases from Business Wire
Subscribe to all the latest releases from Business Wire by registering your e-mail address below. You can unsubscribe at any time.
Latest releases from Business Wire
Venture Global Commences Commercial Operations of Phase One of Plaquemines LNG1.11.2026 17:40:00 EET | Press release
On October 31, 2026, Venture Global (NYSE: VG) commenced commercial operations of the first phase of its second LNG export project – Plaquemines LNG – and the sale of low-cost, U.S. LNG to the first phase’s long-term customers. The commercial operations date (COD) for Phase 1 of Plaquemines LNG was reached in just over 53 months from the final investment decision on the project, making it among the fastest greenfield LNG projects ever completed. “Achieving commercial operations at the first phase of our second LNG project in 53 months is a testament to our team's relentless dedication and hard work,” said Venture Global CEO Mike Sabel. “We are thrilled to hit another major milestone that enables us to continue delivering reliable, affordable American LNG to the global market. We deeply appreciate the collaboration of our regulators and supply chain partners, whose shared commitment helped us deliver this project safely and on schedule.” The first post-COD cargo from Plaquemines Phase 1
From the Chishui to the Han: "Moutai Night" Debuts in Seoul to Bridge Cultural Connections1.11.2026 14:44:00 EET | Press release
On October 25, the 2026 “Moutai Night” was held in Seoul, South Korea, under the theme “Born by the Chishui River, Fragrance Along the Han River.” Over a hundred guests from China and South Korea gathered around the Han River, sharing the distinctive appeal of Chinese baijiu, and fostering cultural exchange between the two countries through fine liquor and culture. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20261101047521/en/ The event featured an exhibition on Moutai’s brewing techniques and brand history. Hands-on experiences with Miao batik and silverwork showcased Guizhou culture, while creative cocktails brought Chinese spirits into dialogue with Korean tastes. A city-themed video, dance performances and a violin performance rounded out the program, as guests exchanged views on liquor culture in a warm atmosphere. As a flagship cultural initiative designed for global audiences, “Moutai Night” made its Seoul debut, fol
Vedanta Aluminium’s Q2FY27: Profit doubles to INR 6,187 Cr, EBITDA rises 83% YoY31.10.2026 15:12:00 EET | Press release
Vedanta Aluminium Metal Limited (BSE: 544780 & NSE: VAML), India’s largest aluminium producer, announced its unaudited financial results for the quarter and half year ended 30 September 2026, delivering solid financial and operational performance. Revenue increased to INR 22,066 crore, up 41% YoY, supported by higher volumes and improved marketing mix. EBITDA stood at INR 10,192 crore, up 83% YoY, with an EBITDA margin of ~46%. Profit after tax stood at INR 6,187 crore, more than doubling YoY with an increase of 105%. VAML strengthened its balance sheet during the quarter, reducing net debt by INR 3,090 crore QoQ, with Net Debt/EBITDA improving to 0.7x from 0.9x in Q1FY27. The company’s credit profile was validated with India Ratings upgrading its credit rating to AA+ (Stable), alongside rating reaffirmations from ICRA and CRISIL. Operationally, VAML achieved its highest-ever quarterly aluminium production of 649 KT, up 3% QoQ and 5% YoY. Value-added production reached a record 432 KT,
United States Signs Participation Contract for Expo 2030 Riyadh, Strengthening Momentum For Global Participation31.10.2026 10:38:00 EET | Press release
The United States of America has signed its Participation Contract for Expo 2030 Riyadh, marking a significant milestone in the World Expo’s preparations and further strengthening the momentum for international participation in the global event. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20261031669001/en/ The Participation Contract was signed by His Highness Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, during a bilateral meeting held on the sidelines of the 2026 G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Atlanta, Georgia. The signing marks an important step in the United States’ journey towards Expo 2030 Riyadh, paving the way for the development of its pavilion, programming and visitor experience. It also reinforces the growing international commitment to Expo 2030 Riyadh, as countries move from confirming their participation to actively sha
ADNEC Group Kickstarts November with Two of the World’s Largest Events in the Energy and Tourism Sectors31.10.2026 05:53:00 EET | Press release
ADNEC Group, a Modon company, begins November by hosting two of the world’s most significant international events in the same week. ADIPEC 2026, the world’s largest energy event, takes place at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi from 2 to 5 November. Meanwhile, World Travel Market (WTM) London, one of the global travel industry’s leading gatherings, takes place at the Group’s Excel London venue from 3 to 5 November. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20261030918463/en/ ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi (Photo: AETOSWire) The two events, held simultaneously at the Group’s largest venues in the UAE and the UK, reflect ADNEC Group’s capability to deliver large-scale international events across multiple markets. ADIPEC has grown alongside the venue since it was first held at the ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi in 2006. This year’s edition is set to be the largest in the event’s history, occupying the venue’s entire 153,000 square metres of exhibition
In our pressroom you can read all our latest releases, find our press contacts, images, documents and other relevant information about us.
Visit our pressroom