The new Beijing International Airport will be the new home of two of China's major airlines - China Eastern and China Southern - as well as a number of SkyTeam Alliance members.

The move is part of the Chinese government's efforts to reduce airfares for international passengers, as it improves services for national carrier Air China Airlines, which will continue operating at the Beijing Capital Airport, according to China Daily.

Like Us on Facebook

According to a statement from the Civil Aviation Administration of China, other carriers to be relocated to the new airport include Air France, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Delta Air Lines and Korean Air.

The aviation body explained that slot shortages at the Beijing Capital International Airport has become a major problem for most airlines, as they have found it difficult to launch lights and add new routes.

Aside from Air China and other Star Alliance partners, including United Airlines, Air Canada, Singapore Airlines and Japanese airline ANA will remain at the old airport.

The modern Beijing International Airport, which will be located at the Daxing district in Beijing's southeastern suburbs, will primarily cater to passengers who travel to and from Beijing, Tianjin and Hebei province.

"Beijing Capital International Airport is overly saturated. The relocation of China Eastern and China Southern Airlines to the new airport will provide them with significant growth potential," noted Li Xiaojin, a professor at the Civil Aviation University of China in Tianjin.

Li pointed out that since the new Beijing International Airport will be situated 50 kilometers from the downtown area, he expects airline companies based there to offer cheaper ticket prices as a marketing strategy to attract passengers and tour groups.

Under the relocation plan, China Eastern and China Southern will be allowed to build their own infrastructure facilities at the new airport, making them the airport's main carriers.

The two airlines account for 40 percent of annual passenger volume.

Once realized, this plan would create a ripple ieffect, as more businesses and government agencies move there, and passengers start to enjoy the convenience of using the new Beijing International Airport. 

Tagschina, Beijing International Airport