The Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) has issued a circular to transfer the rights of approving the qualification of aviation transport sales agents to China Air Transport Association (CATA). This new order took effect on April 1.

This means that China has completely opened the approval rights of air ticket sales agents that had been paused since May 19 last year, and handed it over for the industry association CATA to deal with.

At present, most air ticket agents in China rely on commissions from the airlines for survival. Although CAAC stipulates that they get 3% commission from the airlines, they often receive as much as 50%. In addition, they also charge a service fee to the passengers.

By releasing the approval rights of the air ticket agents, the sector will become more competitive.