China Aviation Continues to Grow

China's swelling middleclass, whose pockets are padded by an economic boom, is taking to the skies at a breakneck pace.  The government has also eased travel restrictions -- and has actually encouraged travel both at home and abroad.  More than 110 million people flew on domestic routes in 2004, up from 60 million in 2000, according to data from the Civil Aviation Administration of China. 

This year's results for Airbus and Boeing show how things have changes.  Airbus so far has booked firm Chinese orders for 72 planes, up from 47 last year.  Boeing has secured 70 firm orders; China ordered 15 Boeing aircraft in 2004.