China's visa push opens ASEAN skies

Industry leaders commend new entry policy as key to stronger connectivity

China's decision to extend five-year multiple-entry visas to Southeast Asian business travelers is expected to boost the region's aviation sector, industry executives say.

As the largest trading partner of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, China announced last month that it would offer the long-term visas to eligible business travelers from ASEAN's 10 member states and observer Timor-Leste. The move is widely seen as a catalyst for increased flight frequencies, expanded regional destinations and stronger business travel demand.

"When you remove these invisible barriers, you're going to get more people traveling and doing business together," said Tony Fernandes, CEO of Capital A, the Kuala Lumpur-based operator of ASEAN's largest airline AirAsia.