An empirical analysis on influence of air transport development to Chinese economic growth

According to the air transportation and economic development theories, based on the data of Chinese air transport industry and economic development during 1978–2009, this paper analyzes the relationships between the development of air transport and economic growth, and the contribution to economic growth in China. Empirical analysis shows that: there exists strong correlation between air transport industry and Chinese economy; air cargo is cause of economic growth, and economic growth will give a significant role in promoting the development of air transport; in the sample period, air passenger has greater contribution to economic growth than air cargo, but after 2002 civil aviation reform, air cargo´s contribution exceeds that of air passenger, as an engine of economic growth, the role of air transport is more and more prominent role.