China opens its ticket-selling market to foreign airlines for the first time

China is easing its airline distribution regulations, allowing international global distribution systems (GDS) to sell flights in the country for the first time.

The new rules, published by the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC), will enable non-Chinese airlines to sell their fares via the GDS within China. China-registered airlines however, will still be restricted. The opening of the Chinese market will see travel technology company Amadeus enter the country for the first time.

Speaking about the move, David Brett, President of Amadeus Asia Pacific said; “The new regulations are an important step in bringing positive change to the current travel landscape in China. The regulations will enable a new technology infrastructure that will allow for a more dynamic travel booking market with more travel products on offer that will greatly benefit the Chinese travel industry and Chinese travellers.”