Air traffic regulations around the South China Sea were previously burdened by the International Aviation Transport Association (IATA). The region covers about 284,000 square kilometers.

From 3:30 am, the air traffic regulation department in Sanya began to provide all kinds of transport services to airlines which fly across the region.

The air routes in the region were increased from three to six in order to allow more airlines to pass at the same time.

Sources with the General Administration of Civil Aviation of China (CAAC) described the take-over as an important event for China's aviation industry.

CAAC has been requesting the air regulation of the region for the past 20 years. CAAC finally reached a comprehensive agreement with related countries and regions earlier this year.

An air traffic regulation center in Sanya, which is armed with the most advanced equipment in the world, will be responsible for the concrete work in air traffic regulation. All employees have received strict training from IATA.

Sources with the center said documents about the new air regulations had been distributed to related airlines beforehand.

According to the rules from IATA, the center will also be responsible for providing rescue services in the region.

Sources with China Southern Airlines said new regulations would improve the efficiency of the busy air space by helping planes pass more quickly.

Pilots working for the airline have carefully studied the new air regulations, and have said it was quite easy to understand and work with.

The air space around the South China Sea regions is a key air channel linking East Asia and Southeast Asian regions.

Several airlines from Taiwan had asked the CAAC to fly through the air routes, and the administration approved their appeals and promised to provide related services for them.

(China Daily November 3, 2001)