In a bid to shake its poor performance on its trunk routes, Tianjin-based Okay Airways is looking to shift its focus to the regional market when it takes delivery of its first of 10 AVIC I, MA60 turboprops shortly. Its second MA60 is expected to be introduced sometime in April.
With the new focus Okay will concentrate on regional passengers in northeastern and northern China before expanding to the northwest and central portions. In all Okay has applied to the Civil Aviation Administration of China for six new regional routes which it will connect with its existing trunk network.
Currently there are 77 regional aircraft operated by three main Chinese regional carriers: China Express Air, Grand Xinhua Express and KunpengAirlines – all of which are unprofitable.