China's General Administration of Civil Aviation (CAAC) urges domestic airline companies to better their services to meet the growing passenger traffic during the Universiade, according to Friday's China Daily.

This proclamation was inspired by complaints about a number of recent incidents at airports across the country, said Li Yuhua, an official with CAAC's Transportation Department.

Between Monday and Tuesday, over 372 passengers were delayed atthe Beijing Capital International Airport due to mechanical failures, says the newspaper.

Flight delays caused by avoidable reasons should be seen as breach of contract between passengers and airlines, and consumers have the right to ask for compensation if the quality of products or services provided by a company do not match its promise, said Long Zhibin, an official with the Beijing Consumers' Association.

Currently, passengers have been promised compensation but only after legal action, the newspaper says.

CAAC was reported to have held a national meeting in July to address the issue of service quality among Chinese airlines which was attended by leaders from all the country's major airlines.

(Eastday.com.cn 08/17/2001)