Zhi Tong Cai Jing·2026-01-20 07:45Core Viewpoint - The aviation sector is recommended for continued investment, with expectations of significant improvement in airline profitability as the industry approaches a turning point, driven by historical high passenger load factors and increasing international travel demand [1] Group 1: Industry Outlook - The 2026 National Civil Aviation Work Conference emphasizes "quality improvement and efficiency enhancement," setting growth targets of 1,750 billion ton-kilometers for total transport turnover, 810 million passengers, and 1,070 thousand tons for cargo, representing year-on-year increases of 6.7%, 5.2%, and 5.2% respectively [2] - Measures to control inefficient route supply and improve airline profitability are expected to alleviate "involution" competition within the industry [2] Group 2: Supply Side - The global aircraft supply chain remains unrepaired, with Airbus and Boeing projected to deliver 793 and 600 aircraft respectively in 2025, still below pre-pandemic levels, and a backlog of over 15,000 aircraft orders [3] - The delivery cycle for new aircraft has extended to 6.8 years, leading airlines to prolong the service life of older aircraft, with a peak in retirements expected by 2030 [3] - China's airline fleet is projected to grow by only 4.0% to 4,271 aircraft by 2025, with a significant number of aircraft reaching retirement age [3] Group 3: Demand Side - Visa exemption policies are driving an increase in inbound travelers, with foreign visitors to China surpassing pre-pandemic levels in key cities [4] - The international routes are expected to be the main growth engine for demand in 2026, with a forecasted 5.3% year-on-year increase in daily passenger volume during the Spring Festival [4] - The average ticket price for the upcoming Spring Festival is expected to be 20% higher than the previous year, indicating a trend of simultaneous volume and price increases [4]