China is doing all it can to meet the demands of a rapidly expanding aviation industry. It's also looking overseas for new methods to boost the quality of service at all levels.

The US-China Aviation Cooperation Program has launched its third round of Executive Management Development Training. The initiative was launched in 2006 by China's aviation watchdog and aviation authorities and firms in the United States. It is a long-term program training officials and executives in China. This year, 34 individuals will take part in a range of programs in both Beijing and the US. These will focus on leadership skills, aviation safety, and the management of human resources and air traffic.

Chinese airlines have faced several challenges in the first half of the year. First-half net profit for China Eastern Airlines dropped 28.5 percent, while that for Air China also dipped 1.4 percent from a year ago. And industry insiders say they think high oil prices and a slow down in global economic growth will have a definite impact over the next few months. But others say they remain confident in the future of China's aviation sector, as long as managerial levels are raised and operational costs are cut.

(CCTV September 8, 2008)