Spring Airlines Archives

Remember that story about China’s Spring Airlines considering standing-room only tickets?

Well, if they ever get around to realizing that glorious dream, standing-room only could be slowly making it’s way closer to you.

The General Administration of Civil Aviation of China (CAAC) ruled on Thursday that the airline will be able to operate specific international routes. Spring Airlines is the second private firm that has received this approval by the CAAC.

This will initially open up short-distance routes, such as flights to Hong Kong, Macau, Japan, South Korea and Russia. The airline was founded in 2005 and currently has 13 Airbus 320 passenger jets, with 30 domestic air routes.

Any volunteers for when Spring Airlines decides to take standing room to trans-Pacific flights?

Remember a few years ago when Airbus was considering standing-room only economy class tickets? Well it looks like the aircraft manufacturer might have its first taker.

China’s Spring Airlines says it has been considering the concept since the beginning of the year to accommodate a surge in passenger volume. While a representative for the airline claims that the new method is “just like bar stools,” it could allow for 40% more passengers and cut costs by 20%, while lowering airfare for consumers.

Spring Airlines could submit the idea for approval within the year.

I guess this will bring up entirely new issues of when it’s appropriate to be out of your “seat.”

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[Thanks, Howard!]