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China's Spring Airlines looks to more than double its number of Japan-bound passengers by 2022 and add around 10 new routes between the countries. The budget carrier aims to serve 1.25 million such flyers by 2022, compared to the 540,000 expected this year, said Sun Zhencheng, head of Japanese market development. The 2016 estimate is itself more than twice the 2015 figure. Spring targets another 20% growth to 660,000 Japan-bound travelers in 2017, said Sun. Of the 1.25 million targeted in 2022, 1 million are expected to take part in group tours, while the rest are seen traveling on their own. The airline also hopes to carry 250,000 travelers from Japan to China in 2022. The number of routes between the two countries will be increased from around 30 to 40. Spring aims to enlarge its fleet 30% to 100 aircraft soon. Spring also plans to expand its Japanese hotel business by investing JPY 20 billion (USD 175 million) with local partners over the next five years to open 20 new locations in the country. A shortage of hotel accommodations is the greatest challenge facing Japan as Chinese tourism grows, Sun said. |
