China's airlines raise alarm as travellers ditch planes for bullet trains
a year ago
- #transportation
- #high-speed rail
- #China
- More passengers on the Beijing-Shanghai route are choosing high-speed rail over flights.
- Airlines are struggling to compete with the convenience, comfort, and stable internet access offered by bullet trains.
- In 2023, there were 52 million train trips compared to 8.6 million flights between Beijing and Shanghai.
- Business travelers prefer high-speed rail due to its speed (4 hours for 1,300 km) and amenities like internet and charging points.
- The Beijing-Shanghai High-speed Railway has become highly profitable despite initial operational challenges.