Chinese airlines will soon be able to open some new domestic air routes without prior approval from the civil aviation authority.

The new rule takes effect on March 20 and is called Domestic Line Operation and Management Permission Rule, which is a revised version of the former Domestic Lines and Flights Management Rule.

An official with the General Administration of Civil Aviation of China told Xinhua Friday that under the new rules airlines need only to register new flights on some air routes with the authority.

Moreover, CAAC no longer requires that all airlines must reach 75% occupancy rate for their flights.

The administration shall continue require approval for flights between China's 20 busiest airports, such as Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Chengdu.

The new rules are part of an gradual process by the government to deregulate the civil aviation market that has been underway since 2003. The official said it will encourage competition among airlines in terms of security, services and credibility so that the whole industry will record a more healthy growth.

China is one of the world's fastest growing aviation market. Its passenger turnover increased by 14% in 2005 to hit 138 million.