用飞行打开世界，“人生第一张机票”抵达全新梦想

Core Insights - The article highlights the increasing accessibility of air travel for young people in China, particularly those from smaller cities, through initiatives like the "First Flight" program by Qunar, which has seen significant growth in ticket purchases for first-time flyers [1][4][5] Group 1: Growth in Air Travel - In 2024, the number of travelers purchasing their first flight ticket on the Qunar platform increased by over 40% year-on-year, with first-time international travelers rising by 1.2 times [4] - Residents from third-tier and below cities saw a 35% increase in purchasing their first flight ticket, marking the highest growth in five years [4] - The demographic driving this growth primarily consists of students aged 19-23 and young adults aged 24-33 [4] Group 2: Impact of Infrastructure Development - The development of small airports and regional routes has made air travel more accessible, allowing more young people to experience their first flight [5] - The "First Flight" initiative covered 50 airports, half of which are small airports, facilitating travel to less accessible regions [5] - The lowering of travel barriers, such as visa-free travel to more countries, has contributed to a 2.5 times increase in first-time international flights among residents of third-tier and below cities [5] Group 3: Significance of First Flights - The article emphasizes that while 156 first flights are a small fraction of the millions of flights taken annually, they hold significant personal value for many individuals [5][6] - The experiences gained from these first flights are portrayed as transformative, fostering a sense of hope and ambition among young travelers [6]