China has become one of the world's top 10 aviation countries after 20 years' rapid development, an official of the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) said in Beijing on January 16.

The country now ranks 10th globally in terms of transport turnover, up from 35th in 1980, with passenger turnover up to seventh from 33rd, according to Xia Xinghua, director of the Policy and Regulations Department under the CAAC.

Xia attributed the feat to the CAAC's efforts to stimulate investment from local governments and foreigners.

China added 46 planes to its aircraft fleet in 1999, of which 36 were purchased and 10 were rent.

Statistics show that the CAAC has opened 1,122 routes, which cover a total length of 1.54 million kilometers.

In addition, local governments had invested a total 42.9 billion yuan in airport construction projects, which also attracted foreign loans of 1.23 billion US dollars.

Meanwhile, the CAAC has promised to open part of its civil aviation service market to introduce international competition.

Chinese airlines are permitted to have their planes and engines repaired in foreign countries. Foreign service providers can also establish joint-venture repair companies in China, said the official.

Chinese companies will be able to employ foreign experts and managers, and China's computerized ticket-booking systems are also allowed to work with their foreign counterparts.

The appearance of competition is expected to prompt the Chinese aviation sector to improve its service, the official said.