The Air Traffic Management Bureau of the General Administration of Civil Aviation of China (CAAC) says it will increase the number of airplane flight levels. By reducing vertical separation minima, or RVSM, air traffic flow will be greatly improved. For passengers, the good news is that there will be fewer flight delays.

Like widening roads and building overpasses, reducing the vertical separation minima can increase the number of air route levels.

Starting from November 22 this year, flight levels between 8,400 meters and 12,500 meters will be increased to 13 layers from the original 7. The move will help meet the need for greater air traffic flow during Beijing Olympic Games in 2008.

Su Langen, CAAC Air Traffic Management Bureau's chief, said, "RVSM is already used by western countries. And it is also applied in the airspace above the South China Sea."

Su Langen says airspace capacity can be greatly increased by introducing RVSM. The new measure will also play a big role in reducing flight delays. And Su says there's no need for safety concerns.

Su Langen said: "Although separation distance is reduced, safety is guaranteed. Relevant regulations will be introduced and training will be provided."

This is the third time China has adjusted its flight levels. The present timetable allows half a year for pilots and air traffic controllers to adapt to the new measures before the 2008 Olympics Games in Beijing. Preparatory work will all be completed before September this year.