China became the focus of grave concern among international airlines a year ago, when the SARS epidemic led to a dramatic decline in travelers to the country.
Yet the country's rapid economic progress -- achieved despite the severe acute respiratory syndrome outbreak -- means it is still a potential gold mine for Japanese airlines.
Japan's two largest carriers, Japan Airlines System Corp. and All Nippon Airways Co., are racing to establish strong footholds in China, with the number of travelers between the two countries expected to rise.