Ticket prices are slashed to tap overflow of passengers from stretched rail system
The annual return of tens of millions of migrant workers to their homes during next month's Lunar New Year holiday, which badly strains the overstretched rail network, will take on a new dimension as regional airlines angle for a small share of the world's largest human migration.
Sichuan Airlines is offering a 65 per cent discount on 14 routes to factory, construction and other migrant workers, most of whom have never flown before.
Air fares from Beijing to Chengdu, Sichuan's capital, have been slashed to 500 yuan for migrant workers only. That is 25 per cent more expensive than a 'hard bed' train ticket but still cheaper than the most expensive 'soft bed' class.
'It's a promotion plan to build our brand,' an executive from Sichuan Airlines said. 'Although we can hardly cover costs with the low ticket price, it's a move to help migrant workers going back home for the Lunar New Year.
'It helps our image.'
The special holiday fares for migrant workers highlight intense competition in the domestic airline industry, with smaller carriers in particular turning to niche markets.
