Wendy Zhang/ Shanghai Daily news
Air travelers from Beijing to Shanghai should be happy to know that they can
get cheaper air-tickets, thanks to a series of price wars, today's Youth Post
reported.
Since Yoee (www.yoee.com), an
online air ticket service agent, and Hainan Airlines, began offering business
commuter air tickets from Beijing to Shanghai early this month, other
air-carriers have offered up to 70 percent off on air tickets for the route,
bringing the price down to 340 yuan (US$41).
The commuter air tickets, with
60 percent discounts, are proving very popular with business people. "Our 80
commuter air tickets were booked up as soon as they hit the market, and many
business people regret missing them," said a spokesman with Yoee.
To fight
back, Air China, China Eastern Airlines and Shanghai Airlines have sparked price
wars on the route, with their airfares even cheaper than train tickets. However,
as yet only 20 percent discounts are being offered on air tickets from Shanghai
to Beijing.
"The commuter ticket prices are set based on market rules," said
the spokesman, dispelling the suggestion that such tickets are an unfair
competition.
They will offer more discount tickets next month, but will
still restrict the total number, he pointed out.