Bei Jing Shang Bao·2025-06-10 15:02Core Insights - The demand for pet travel has surged since 2025, prompting domestic airlines to introduce "pet in cabin" services as a new revenue strategy to counter declining passenger yields [1][3] - The "pet in cabin" service is not only enhancing airline revenues but also expanding the "civil aviation + pet" service industry chain into areas such as quarantine, insurance, and tourism [1][13] - Challenges remain in balancing pet safety, passenger experience, and regulatory frameworks, which are crucial for the future normalization of "pet-friendly flights" [1][15] Airline Initiatives - Multiple airlines, including Hainan Airlines, China Southern Airlines, and Eastern Airlines, have initiated or upgraded their "pet in cabin" services since 2025, reflecting a growing trend in the industry [3][5] - Hainan Airlines was the first to launch this service in 2018 and has since expanded its offerings, including a new "pet seat" service [3][5] - The pricing for "pet in cabin" services varies, with fees generally under 1500 yuan, and can reach up to 2000 yuan depending on additional seat purchases [7][8] Market Demand and Trends - The pet economy in China is experiencing significant growth, with a market size of 592.8 billion yuan in 2023, projected to reach 1.15 trillion yuan by 2028 [13] - Social media discussions indicate high consumer interest in pet travel services, with 370,000 related posts on platforms like Xiaohongshu [4] - The shift in consumer perception of pets as family members is driving increased spending on pet-related services, including travel [13] Revenue Generation - The introduction of "pet in cabin" services allows airlines to tap into high-value consumer segments, enhancing revenue streams amid declining passenger yields [9][12] - Airlines can charge additional fees for extra seating for pets, significantly increasing potential revenue per flight [8][9] - The average ticket price for economy class has dropped over 10%, making the "pet in cabin" service a strategic move to boost profitability [8] Industry Challenges - Current regulations regarding pet size and breed restrictions pose challenges for the implementation of "pet in cabin" services [15] - Airlines must ensure a balance between the needs of pet owners and other passengers, addressing concerns such as allergies and fears of animals [15] - Safety protocols for pets during flights, including vaccination checks and secure transport containers, are essential for maintaining operational integrity [15][16]